διαπεράω
I cross over
Definition
The verb διαπεράω means to cross over or pass through a body of water, specifically to go from one side to the other. In the New Testament, it consistently describes crossing the Sea of Galilee by boat, as seen in Matthew 9:1, Matthew 14:34, Mark 5:21, and Mark 6:53. In Luke 16:26, it is used metaphorically in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, describing an impassable chasm that cannot be crossed between the realms of the dead. In Acts 21:2, it refers to a ship crossing over from Patara to Phoenicia.
Biblical Usage
This verb is used exclusively in narrative contexts describing travel, primarily Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee (e.g., Matthew 9:1, Mark 6:53). The pattern shows it is a technical term for a nautical crossing. The sole metaphorical use is in Luke 16:26, emphasizing a permanent, divinely established separation.
Etymology
Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'across,' and the verb περάω (peraō), meaning 'to pass through' or 'to go over.' It literally means 'to pass through to the other side,' emphasizing the completion of a journey across a barrier like water.
Semantic Range
While primarily a travel term, its metaphorical use in Luke 16:26 carries significant theological weight. It underscores the finality of divine judgment and the unchangeable separation between the blessed and the condemned in the afterlife, highlighting the seriousness of one's earthly choices.
In the 1st-century context, crossing the Sea of Galilee was a common but sometimes perilous journey for fishermen and travelers. The word captures the tangible reality of moving through a known geographical space, which makes its spiritual application in Luke 16:26 about an uncrossable gulf all the more powerful.
περάω (peraō, G4008) — A more general term for passing through or crossing, without the specific 'through to the other side' force of διαπεράω. διαβαίνω (diabainō, G1224) — Also means to cross over, but can be used for crossing rivers or boundaries on land as well as sea.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
Full methodology & sources →