"pr. a scattering, as of seed; dispersion; in NT meton. the dispersed portion of the Jews, specially termed the dispersion, Jn. 7:35; Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1*"
Definition and meaning
pr. a scattering, as of seed; dispersion; in NT meton. the dispersed portion of the Jews, specially termed the dispersion, Jn. 7:35; Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1*
In the original Greek the word is written: διασπορά
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of diaspora (G1290) across the King James Bible.
Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
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Common questions
Strong's G1290 (diaspora) is a Greek word that means: pr. a scattering, as of seed; dispersion; in NT meton. the dispersed portion of the Jews, specially termed the dispersion, Jn. 7:35; Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. 1:1* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word diaspora (G1290) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1290 is diaspora, a Greek word defined as: pr. a scattering, as of seed; dispersion; in NT meton. the dispersed portion of the Jews, specially termed the dispersion, Jn. 7:35; Jas. 1:1; 1 Pet. . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
diaspora is a Greek word found in the New Testament.