Lexical Summary diaphoros: Different, various, excellent Original Word: διαφόρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance differing, diverse, more excellent. From diaphero; varying; also surpassing -- differing, divers, more excellent. see GREEK diaphero NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom diapheró Definition varying, excellent NASB Translation differ (1), more excellent (2), various (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1313: διάφοροςδιάφορος, διάφορον (διαφέρω); 1. different, varying in kind, (Herodotus and following): Romans 12:6; Hebrews 9:10. 2. excellent, surpassing, ((Diodorus), Polybius, Plutarch, others): comparitive διαφορωτερος, Hebrews 1:4; Hebrews 8:6. The term translated “different,” “various,” or “more excellent” arises only four times in the Greek New Testament. In every setting it contrasts what is ordinary or temporary with what is distinct, superior, or diversified by the gracious design of God. Christ’s Superiority over Angels (Hebrews 1:4) “[He] became as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs.” The writer to the Hebrews opens by exalting the Son. The adjective underscores an infinite gap between created spirits and the incarnate Lord. His “more excellent” name embodies His eternal deity (Psalm 2:7), messianic kingship (2 Samuel 7:14), and saving authority (Matthew 28:18). By employing the term, the author affirms that no celestial being shares Christ’s redemptive prerogatives, thereby closing the door on any form of angel-veneration. The More Excellent Ministry and Covenant (Hebrews 8:6) “But as it is, Christ has obtained a more excellent ministry, since He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” In the sanctuary imagery of Hebrews, the word points to a qualitative gulf between the Aaronic system and the priestly work of Jesus. The Levitical priests dealt with shadows; the Son ministers in the true tent (Hebrews 8:2). The “more excellent” character of His priesthood rests on: Thus the term safeguards the sufficiency of Christ’s atonement and guards the church from reverting to ritualistic confidence. Various Ceremonial Regulations (Hebrews 9:10) “They consist only in food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.” Here the adjective modifies earthly ordinances that once differentiated Israel from the nations. Their variety was pedagogical, anticipating the coming Reformation in Christ. The word therefore links the old order’s multiplicity with its transience; by comparison the new order possesses singular, abiding efficacy. Diverse Grace-Gifts in the Body (Romans 12:6) “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” Moving from Christ’s supremacy to congregational life, Paul applies the term to the manifold charismata dispensed by the Spirit. Diversity is not disunity; each distinct endowment functions for “the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). The same adjective used of Christ’s excellence becomes the lens through which believers view their service—distinct yet harmonious, equally necessary under the one Head (Ephesians 4:15-16). Historical and Jewish Background First-century Judaism prized both angelic mediation (Jubilees, 1 Enoch) and the elaborate purity system of Second Temple practice. By branding Christ’s work as “more excellent,” Hebrews confronts those cultural pillars with the finality of the new covenant. Simultaneously, by describing gifts in the church as “different,” Paul counters Greco-Roman honor culture, reminding Roman Christians that distinction is grace-based, not status-based. Theological Significance 1. Christology: The adjective intensifies the uniqueness of Christ’s person and work. Ministry Implications • Worship centers on the unparalleled worth of Jesus rather than on ritual detail or angelic fascination. Related Themes and References Exodus 19–24; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 110; 1 Corinthians 12:4-31; Ephesians 4:7-13; 1 Peter 2:9-10. Summary Strong’s Greek 1313 marks the surpassing excellence of Christ and the divinely intended diversity within His people. Whether distinguishing the Son from angels, the new covenant from the old, or one gift from another, the term consistently magnifies God’s wise design and calls the church to live in the light of what is truly “more excellent.” Englishman's Concordance Romans 12:6 Adj-ANPGRK: δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα εἴτε προφητείαν NAS: gifts that differ according KJV: gifts differing according INT: having been given to us different whether prophecy Hebrews 1:4 Adj-ANS-C Hebrews 8:6 Adj-GFS-C Hebrews 9:10 Adj-DMP Strong's Greek 1313 |
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