Greek word · G1288

διασπάω

diaspaō

to tear apart

To pull apart or tear in pieces. It is used of breaking chains or cords, of dismembering, and of splitting up a group.

Appears 2 times in 2 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

δια-σπάω, -ῶ

[in LXX chiefly for נָתַק, as Judges 16:9 ;]

to break or tear asunder: pass., ἁλύσεις, Mark 5:4; Παῦλος, Acts 23:10.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Acts 23:10

Range of meaning

To pull apart or tear in pieces. It is used of breaking chains or cords, of dismembering, and of splitting up a group.

Against the English

English versions agree ('torn to pieces', 'pulled in pieces'). The risk is reading it as a figure of speech for being 'verbally savaged'. The Greek is physical.

Used elsewhere in the period

Mark 5:4 has the Gerasene man tearing his chains apart (διεσπάσθαι). In the LXX it is used of breaking bonds (e.g. Judg 16:9, 12, Samson snapping cords) and of tearing apart (Jer 10:20, tent cords torn). Classical writers use it of bodies torn limb from limb.

Where it appears

Mark · 1

  1. Mark 5:4 διεσπάσθαι to have been torn apart

    Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

Acts · 1

  1. Acts 23:10 διασπασθῇ may be torn to pieces

    The dispute grew so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul to pieces. He ordered the soldiers to go down and remove him by force and bring him into the barracks.

    Here: 'Be torn apart.' The picture is literal: rival factions grabbing Paul and pulling him in opposite directions, one side to protect him and the other to get at him.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.