Lexical Summary diakóluó: To hinder, to prevent, to obstruct Original Word: διακωλύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance forbid. From dia and koluo; to hinder altogether, i.e. Utterly prohibit -- forbid. see GREEK dia see GREEK koluo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and kóluó Definition to hinder NASB Translation prevent (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1254: διακωλύωδιακωλύω: imperfect διεκωλυον; (διά in this compound does not denote effort as is commonly said, but separation, Latindis, cf. German verhindern, Latinprohibere; cf. διακλειω, to separate by shutting, shut out; cf. Winers De verb. comp. etc. Part v., p. 17f); to hinder, prevent: τινα, Matthew 3:14 (on the tense cf. Winers Grammar, § 40, 3 c.; Buttmann, 205 (178)). (From Sophocles and Thucydides down.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Usage The verb appears once in the Greek New Testament, in Matthew 3:14: “But John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’” (Berean Standard Bible). The aorist imperfect tense portrays continuous effort; John the Baptist kept on attempting to deter Jesus from submitting to baptism. Immediate Context Matthew 3:1-17 narrates the ministry of John the Baptist, whose baptism signified repentance in preparation for the coming Kingdom. When Jesus steps forward to be baptized, John’s instinct is to stop (διεκώλυεν) Him. John recognizes Jesus’ sinlessness and superior status — “He who is coming after me is mightier than I” (Matthew 3:11) — and therefore judges it inappropriate for the sinless One to undergo a rite meant for sinners. Theological Significance 1. Affirmation of Messianic Identity John’s attempt to hinder Jesus underlines his conviction that Jesus is the Greater One whose sandals he is unworthy to carry. The resistance therefore functions as indirect testimony to Jesus’ deity and sinlessness. Jesus responds, “Let it be so now, for in this way we must fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). The moment reveals Jesus’ determination to identify with His people, foreshadowing the substitutionary nature of His atoning work. The narrative shows the Son voluntarily embracing the Father’s redemptive program, even when misunderstood by the most discerning prophet of the age. Historical Considerations Early Christian writers frequently cited Matthew 3:14-15 to defend believer’s baptism and to emphasize Christ’s sinlessness. Patristic homilies often contrasted John’s reluctance with Jesus’ willingness, presenting John’s hindrance as emblematic of human hesitation before divine mysteries. Medieval commentators highlighted the episode to demonstrate Christ’s humility, while Reformation preachers used it to stress justification by grace rather than ritual. Ministry Implications 1. Discernment and Obedience Even the most faithful servants can misinterpret God’s immediate will. Ministers today must remain open when God’s plan runs counter to personal logic. John’s deference models the proper posture of ministry. Recognizing Christ’s supremacy guards against self-exaltation. Jesus’ choice to undergo baptism illustrates incarnational ministry. Shepherds are called to stand with those they lead, not aloof from them. Well-meaning believers may hinder divine purposes by insisting on their own understanding of propriety. Matthew 3:14 cautions leaders to test their impulses against the broader sweep of Scripture. Practical Application for the Church • Encourage believers to embrace God’s directives even when they defy expected patterns. Summary Strong’s Greek 1254 encapsulates a pivotal moment when human insight sought to redirect divine intention, only to be overruled by the incarnate Son’s commitment to “fulfill all righteousness.” The single occurrence in Matthew’s Gospel richly underscores themes of humility, obedience, and the Messiah’s solidarity with humanity, offering enduring lessons for theology and ministry alike. Forms and Transliterations διεκωλυεν διεκώλυεν diekoluen diekōluen diekolyen diekōlyen diekṓlyenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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