Lexical Summary diadidómi: To distribute, to give out, to divide among. Original Word: διαδίδωμι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance distribute, divide, give. From dia and didomi; to give throughout a crowd, i.e. Deal out; also to deliver over (as to a successor) -- (make) distribute(-ion), divide, give. see GREEK dia see GREEK didomi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and didómi Definition to hand over, distribute NASB Translation distribute (1), distributed (2), distributes (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1239: διαδίδωμιδιαδίδωμι; future διαδιδώσω (Revelation 17:13 Rec.); 1 aorist διέδωκα; 2 aorist imperative διάδος; passive, imperfect 3 person singular διεδίδοτο (Acts 4:35), for which L T Tr WH read διεδίδετο (see ἀποδίδωμι); 1. to distribute, divide among several (cf. διά, C. 3): τί, Luke 11:22; τί τίνι, Luke 18:22 (Lachmann δός); John 6:11 (Tdf. ἔδωκεν); passive Acts 4:35. Its meaning is especially illustrated by Xenophon, Cyril 1, 3, 7 τόν Κυρον λαβόντα τῶν κρεῶν διαδιδοναι τοῖς ... θεραπευταις ... τοιαῦτα ἐποίει, ἕως διεδιδου πάντα ἅ ἔλαβε κρέα. 2. to give over, deliver: τί τίνι, Revelation 17:13; but here G L T Tr WH have restored διδοασι (cf. δίδωμι, at the beginning). The verb translated in the Berean Standard Bible as “divide,” “distribute,” or “hand out” appears only four times in the New Testament. Each occurrence presents a distinctive setting in which resources—whether material goods, food, or captured spoils—are intentionally passed from one party to another. Though few in number, these texts together trace a line from Old Testament patterns of sharing, through the ministry of Jesus, into the common life of the early church. Key New Testament Usages 1. Luke 11:22 In Jesus’ illustration of a stronger man conquering a householder, the conqueror “divides the plunder.” Here the action accents complete victory: what once bolstered the defeated is re-allocated by the victor. The image anticipates Christ’s triumph over Satan and the liberation of those once held captive (compare Colossians 2:15). 2. Luke 18:22 Jesus counsels the rich ruler, “Sell all you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” The verb frames generosity as the gateway to eternal reward. Possessions are not merely relinquished; they are proactively transferred to those in need, thereby investing in heavenly “treasure” (Matthew 6:20). 3. John 6:11 At the feeding of the five thousand, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated, as much as they wanted.” The distribution underscores Christ’s messianic provision, echoing both manna in the wilderness and Elisha’s multiplied bread (2 Kings 4:42-44). Human insufficiency becomes abundance when placed in the Master’s hands. 4. Acts 4:35 In the Jerusalem church, gifts were “laid at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each one as he had need.” The community embodies Jesus’ teaching from Luke 18:22; what the wealthy ruler refused became the normal practice of Spirit-filled believers (Acts 4:31). Distribution here safeguards unity and ensures no one lacks (Acts 4:34). Old Testament Background • Spoils of war regularly were apportioned among soldiers (Numbers 31:27; 1 Samuel 30:24). After his victory, David instituted equitable sharing, prefiguring the righteous King who shares the spoils of His conquest (Isaiah 53:12). Theological Themes Stewardship. Everything entrusted to believers ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1). The verb’s four occurrences consistently present God’s people as conduits—not owners—of His resources. Victory and Liberation. In Luke 11:22 the dividing of plunder dramatizes Christ’s decisive overthrow of demonic power. What is seized is then repurposed for kingdom ends. Generosity as Worship. Luke 18:22 links giving to heavenly reward; Acts 4:35 shows worship expressed in meeting tangible needs. Material distribution is spiritual service. Messianic Provision. John 6:11 reveals Jesus as the true Host who feeds the multitude, prefiguring the bread of life discourse (John 6:35). Distribution here is both physical nourishment and signpost to salvific sustenance. Historical and Ministry Implications Early Church Practice. The Jerusalem fellowship operationalized Christ’s teaching by creating structured systems for equitable distribution. This model influenced later diaconal ministries (Acts 6:1-6) and remains foundational for church benevolence programs. Economic Witness. Counter-cultural generosity authenticated apostolic preaching. In societies stratified by wealth, the church became a visible alternative economy, demonstrating that in Christ social barriers are dismantled (Galatians 3:28). Mission Funding. Distribution principles informed the collection for the saints in Judea (2 Corinthians 8-9). Resources flowed from stronger communities to weaker ones, reflecting the gospel’s unifying power across geographic and ethnic lines. Practical Application for Contemporary Believers • View possessions as tools for kingdom advance; strategic giving testifies that treasure is stored in heaven, not on earth. In every setting, whether depicting conquest, compassion, miraculous supply, or church administration, the New Testament’s use of this verb calls believers to participate in the generous economy of God’s kingdom—an economy governed by victory, love, and faith-filled stewardship. Englishman's Concordance Luke 11:22 V-PIA-3SGRK: σκῦλα αὐτοῦ διαδίδωσιν NAS: he had relied and distributes his plunder. KJV: he trusted, and divideth his spoils. INT: plunder of him he divides Luke 18:22 V-AMA-2S John 6:11 V-AIA-3S Acts 4:35 V-IIM/P-3S Strong's Greek 1239 |
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