διαφημίζω

I report, publish abroad

Definition

διαφημίζω means to spread news or a report widely, often with a sense of public proclamation. In the New Testament, it consistently carries the idea of making something known extensively, whether the report is true or false. In Matthew 9:31 and Mark 1:45, it describes the healed men spreading the news of Jesus' miracle, despite his instructions to the contrary. In Matthew 28:15, it refers to the deliberate spreading of a false story (that the disciples stole Jesus' body) among the Jewish people.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used three times in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew and Mark). Its usage always involves the widespread dissemination of significant information, typically about Jesus, within a public or communal context. In Matthew 9:31 and Mark 1:45, the action is done by individuals, spreading reports of healing. In Matthew 28:15, it is used for the calculated propagation of a deceptive narrative by the chief priests and elders.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'throughout,' and the verb φημίζω (phēmizō), meaning 'to say' or 'to spread a report.' The compound form intensifies the root meaning to convey the idea of spreading a message throughout an area or among a people. It is related to φήμη (phēmē), meaning 'report' or 'rumor.'

Semantic Range

This word highlights themes of witness, obedience, and the conflict between God's truth and human falsehood. In Matthew 9:31 and Mark 1:45, it shows how Jesus' fame spread uncontrollably, sometimes contrary to his stated purposes, illustrating the powerful impact of his works. In Matthew 28:15, it underscores the deliberate opposition to the truth of the resurrection, marking the inception of a false narrative that the early church had to confront. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by revealing the active, public, and sometimes subversive nature of spreading news in the biblical narrative.

In the oral culture of the first-century Mediterranean world, spreading news 'abroad' (διαφημίζω) was the primary means of public communication. Unlike today's instant media, this involved person-to-person testimony within communities and along travel routes. The act carried significant social weight, as public reputation (φήμη) was paramount. The command to silence in Mark 1:45 contrasts with this cultural impulse to share remarkable events.

κηρύσσω (kēryssō, G2784) — to proclaim or herald, often with official or authoritative weight, like a town crier. εὐαγγελίζω (euangelizō, G2097) — to announce good news, specifically the gospel message. ἀπαγγέλλω (apangellō, G518) — to report or announce, a more general term for bringing news.

Word Details

Scripture References