Lexical Summary diastrephó: To distort, to pervert, to turn aside Original Word: διαστρέφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pervert, curruptFrom dia and strepho; to distort, i.e. (figuratively) misinterpret, or (morally) corrupt -- perverse(-rt), turn away. see GREEK dia see GREEK strepho HELPS Word-studies 1294 diastréphō(from 1223 /diá, "through, thoroughly," which intensifies 4762 /stréphō, "turn") – properly, turned through (thoroughly), into a new shape which however is "distorted, twisted; perverted" (Abbott-Smith) – i.e. "opposite" from the shape (form) it should be. "Note the intensifying force of the prefix, dia meaning, "distorted, twisted in two, corrupt" (WP, 1, 142). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and strephó Definition to distort, fig. misinterpret, corrupt NASB Translation make crooked (1), misleading (1), perverse (1), perverse things (1), perverted (2), turn...away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1294: διαστρέφωδιαστρέφω; 1 aorist infinitive διαστρέψαι; passive participle διεστραμμένος (cf. WHs Appendix, p. 170f); from Aeschylus down; a. to distort, turn aside: τάς ὁδούς κυρίου τάς εὐθείας, figuratively (Proverbs 10:10), to oppose, plot against, the saving purposes and plans of God, Acts 13:10. Hence, b. to turn aside from the right path, to pervert, corrupt: τό ἔθνος, Luke 23:2 (Polybius 5, 41, 1; 8, 24, 3); τινα ἀπό τίνος, to corrupt and so turn one aside from, etc. Acts 13:8 (Exodus 5:4;voluptates animum detorquent a virtute, Cicero); διεστραμμένος, perverse, corrupt, wicked: Matthew 17:17; Luke 9:41; Acts 20:30; Philippians 2:15. The verb behind Strong’s Greek 1294 conveys willful distortion: taking what is true, upright, or direct and bending it out of shape—morally, doctrinally, or relationally. Its appearances cluster around three arenas: (1) opposition to the gospel, (2) the faithlessness of an unbelieving generation, and (3) dangers that arise within the church itself. Opposition to the Gospel In the first missionary journey, Elymas the sorcerer “sought to turn the proconsul away from the faith” (Acts 13:8). Paul, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” exposes the deeper issue: “You son of the devil… you are always perverting the straight ways of the Lord” (Acts 13:10). Here the verb depicts an intentional warping of the gospel message, not mere misunderstanding. Luke records the immediate divine judgment (temporary blindness) as a sober warning that the Lord defends the integrity of His revealed truth. Political Slander against Christ At Jesus’ trial the religious leaders accuse Him of “perverting our nation” (Luke 23:2). Ironically, the only One who ever walked perfectly upright is falsely charged with the very sin Strong’s 1294 describes. The charge illustrates how distortion operates: truth is inverted, the innocent are vilified, and wicked motives masquerade as zeal for civic order. The Faithless Generation Both Matthew and Luke recount Jesus’ lament after the disciples’ failure to cast out a demon: “O unbelieving and perverse generation, how long must I remain with you and put up with you?” (Matthew 17:17; Luke 9:41). The verb diagnoses a collective condition—a bent mindset that resists the straightforward evidence of God’s power and word. It echoes Deuteronomy 32:5, placing the crowds of Jesus’ day in the same line as Israel’s wilderness rebels. Threats from Within the Church Paul warns the Ephesian elders: “From among your own number men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:30). The danger is not only external; leaders can twist sound teaching for personal gain or ambition. Later, writing from prison, Paul urges the Philippians to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). The community’s holiness and unity are to serve as a luminous contrast to a culture bent out of alignment with God. Historical and Ministry Significance 1. Apologetics and discernment The early church quickly recognized that distortion of the apostolic message was as deadly as outright persecution. The same vigilance is required today: believers must weigh teaching and practice against the “straight ways of the Lord” preserved in Scripture. 2. Leadership accountability Acts 20:30 underscores that even gifted, influential figures can become agents of distortion. Plural elder oversight, transparent doctrine, and submission to the whole counsel of God are safeguards built into the New Testament pattern. 3. Cultural engagement Philippians 2:15 situates the church as a radiant counter-culture. The surrounding world may be crooked, but believers are called to model integrity, letting the unaltered word of life judge every competing narrative. 4. Pastoral care Jesus’ frustration in Matthew 17 and Luke 9 reveals the pastoral burden of leading people whose perspectives remain twisted despite abundant revelation. Patience, prayer, and persistent proclamation are required to straighten what sin has bent. Practical Exhortation Every generation faces the temptation to reshape God’s Word to fit prevailing sentiments. Strong’s 1294 warns that to do so places one in the company of Elymas, Christ’s accusers, and the false teachers foreseen in Ephesus. Instead, the church must hold fast to the unwarped gospel, trusting that “the word of the Lord is upright, and all His work is done in faithfulness” (Psalm 33:4). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 17:17 V-RPM/P-NFSGRK: ἄπιστος καὶ διεστραμμένη ἕως πότε NAS: You unbelieving and perverted generation, KJV: and perverse generation, INT: unbelieving and perverted how long when Luke 9:41 V-RPM/P-NFS Luke 23:2 V-PPA-AMS Acts 13:8 V-ANA Acts 13:10 V-PPA-NMS Acts 20:30 V-RPM/P-ANP Philippians 2:15 V-RPM/P-GFS Strong's Greek 1294 |
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