διασπάω

I tear apart, burst

Definition

The verb διασπάω means to tear apart, rend, or burst asunder with force. In its two New Testament occurrences, it describes violent physical tearing. In Mark 5:4, it refers to the demon-possessed man tearing apart the chains and shackles with which others had tried to bind him, emphasizing supernatural, uncontrollable strength. In Acts 23:10, it describes the commander's fear that Paul would be torn apart by the arguing crowd, picturing a mob's potential for violent dismemberment. The core sense is a forceful, often destructive, separation of something into pieces.

Biblical Usage

διασπάω is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in narrative contexts describing extreme physical violence or the threat thereof. In Mark 5:4, it is used passively ('had been torn apart') to describe the aftermath of the Gerasene demoniac's power. In Acts 23:10, it is used in the subjunctive mood ('would be torn apart') to express the commander's fearful anticipation of mob violence against Paul. Both uses highlight situations of chaos and loss of control.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning 'through' or 'asunder,' combined with the verb σπάω (spaō), meaning 'to draw' or 'to pull.' The compound thus literally means 'to pull apart through,' i.e., to tear into pieces. It is a strong, graphic verb for rending or bursting.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, διασπάω vividly illustrates themes of spiritual conflict and divine protection. In Mark 5, the tearing of chains underscores the impotence of human restraint against demonic power, setting the stage for Christ's supreme authority. In Acts 23, the threatened tearing apart of Paul highlights the peril he faced and God's sovereign intervention through human authority (the Roman commander) to preserve him for his mission. The word paints a stark picture of the violent opposition faced by the gospel and the power that overcomes it.

In the first-century context, the imagery of tearing apart (διασπάω) would evoke the brutal violence of mobs or wild animals, a real and terrifying danger. The chains in Mark 5:4 were likely iron, making their tearing a demonstration of terrifying, seemingly superhuman power that would signal a profound spiritual disturbance to ancient readers.

σχίζω (schizō, G4977) — to split or divide, often used for rending garments or the heavens, less violently physical than διασπάω. ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, G4486) — to break or burst, often for containers or barriers; can overlap but διασπάω emphasizes pulling apart into pieces.

Word Details

Scripture References