διαλείπω

I cease, give over, give up

Definition

διαλείπω means to cease, stop, or give over an action, often implying a temporary or complete interruption. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 7:45, it describes a woman who 'has not ceased' (οὐ διέλιπεν) kissing Jesus' feet, emphasizing an action that did not stop or give over. The word can carry the sense of leaving an interval or gap, as its etymology suggests. While not used elsewhere in the New Testament, in classical and Septuagint Greek it can denote pausing or leaving off from something.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 7:45, within the narrative of the sinful woman anointing Jesus. Here, it describes her continuous, uninterrupted act of kissing Jesus' feet, highlighting her persistent devotion and gratitude. The negative construction (οὐ διέλιπεν) powerfully stresses the unbroken nature of her action, contrasting with Simon the Pharisee's lack of hospitality.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'across,' and the verb λείπω (leipō), meaning 'to leave' or 'to be lacking.' The compound thus literally suggests 'to leave through' or 'to leave an interval,' conveying the idea of ceasing or leaving off from an activity, creating a gap or pause.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, διαλείπω in Luke 7:45 theologically underscores the nature of genuine, persistent worship and repentance. The woman's unceasing action becomes a model of heartfelt devotion that contrasts with formal, ritualistic religion. It enriches the reading by highlighting that true love for Christ is not intermittent but characterized by a continuous, humble posture of gratitude and service.

In the Greco-Roman world, kissing someone's feet was an act of extreme humility, reverence, or submission, often performed by slaves or supplicants. The cultural weight of this act, combined with the unceasing (οὐ διέλιπεν) description, would have vividly communicated the woman's profound respect and desperate gratitude to Jesus, shocking the Pharisee's sensibilities about social and ritual purity.

παύω (pauō, G3973) — a more common general term for stopping or ceasing an activity. λείπω (leipō, G3007) — the root verb, meaning to leave, lack, or be absent. ἵστημι (histēmi, G2476) — can mean to make stand, and thus to stop or halt, but focuses more on causing to stand still.

Word Details

Scripture References