[Greek] διαφέρω (diapherō),[Latin] differre: to transmit, to take away, to scatter, to be divided (alienated), to spread, to differ, to differentiate oneself, to distinguish oneself, to be estranged, to be changed; Mt.6:26, Mt. 10:31, Mt.12:12, Mk.11:16, Lk.12:7, Lk.12:24, Acts13:49, Acts 27:27, 1Cor.15:41, Rom.2:18, Gal.2:6, Gal.4:1, Php.1:10
Jeremiah the Prophet: painting by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel (1509-1510). Jeremiah is distinguished (differentiating himself) by his white hair and dignity.
Background Information:
Michelangelo’s Painting of Jeremiah: This painting is found in the Sistine Chapel. Jeremiah is portrayed with his mouth covered and finger extended (an ancient gesture signifying knowledge). Some claim that this painting is a self-portrait of Michelangelo lamenting on the weight of his sins. Michelangelo once remarked that “in painting the idea is an image that the intellect of the painter has to see with interior eyes in the greatest silence and secrecy.” This painting makes reference to Jeremiah, distinguished by his white hair and dignity (1Macc.15:13).
Greek Hellenism: This term, having many senses and nuances, essentially means to carry, to bear through, to differ, to matter, to distinguish, to make a difference, and to go against. It is interesting that these examples can occur in all situations and circumstances. Carrying and bearing involve movement and endurance. Differing involves distinguishing, nurturing, surpassing, encouraging, antagonizing, and making a difference. Euripides’ The Suppliants 382 states “With this art you have always served the state and me carrying my proclamation far and wide.” Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War 2.39 states “If we turn to our military policy, there also we differ from antagonists.” Plato’s Apology 34e states “For at any rate the opinion prevails that Socrates is in some way superior to most men. If then those of you who are supposed to be superior either in wisdom or in courage or in any virtue whatsoever are to behave in such a way.” Plato’s Protagoras 316b states “Protagoras, is your wish (concern) to convene with me alone, or in the company of theirs?” Euripides’ Troades 1248 states “And yet I think it matters little to the dead, if they get a gorgeous funeral.” Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 321 states “For you will bear your own burden to the end, and I will bear mine, if you are correct.”
Old Testament: This term can mean to transmit, to change, to take away, to scatter, to be divided (alienated), to differentiate oneself, and to be superior. The Hellenistic philosophers employ this term for meaning to be scattered, to be driven, and to be different. Daniel has a vision about four beasts, different from each other. The lion, bear, leopard, and beast refer respectively to Babylonian Empire, Median Empire, Persian Empire, and the Hellenistic Empire. 2 Macc.15:13 makes reference to Jeremiah, distinguished by his white hair and having an extraordinary majestic authority. David walked with difficulty, however, since he had never tried armor before (1Kgs.17:39). They gave money to the masons and the carpenters (Esd.5:53). They thanked them, and pleaded with them, for the sake of the difference between them (Wis.18:2). The dread of the king is as when a lion roars (Prov.20:2). From which emerged four different, beasts, each different from the others (Dan.7:3). Then in the same way another man appeared, Jeremiah distinguished by his white hair and dignity, and with an air about him of extraordinary majestic authority (2Macc.15:13).
New Testament: This term, used frequently, can mean to be more valuable (important), to carry through, to discern, and to be different. Several scriptures state that man is much more important than birds, sparrows, and sheep. Jesus speaks about having trust (dependence) on God. From God’s perspective, one’s life is much more important than the birds in the sky. The Pharisees were enraged that the disciples picked and ate grain on the Sabbath. Jesus points out that God’s mercy is superior to temple sacrifice. In His cleansing of the Temple, Jesus drives out the sellers and buyers, not permitting them to carry anything in the Temple. The word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. Paul instructs his followers to discern what is important to them. Mere understanding of the law shows no evidence of virtue. This term refers to the Word spreading through the whole region. Paul’s ship is being driven about in the Adriatic Sea.
Scripture:
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing in barns, yet our heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more important than they?” Mt.6:26
Jesus points out that we must have trust (dependence) on God. We should not make the human needs (fears) control us like a slave. Jesus also does not deny the reality of these needs.
“He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.” Mk.11:16
In His cleansing of the temple, Jesus drove out the sellers and buyers. Jesus did not permit them to carry anything in the temple.
“And the word of the Lord continued to spread throughout the whole region.” Acts 13.:49
The word of God bears (carries) through the whole region.
Etymology: This term is derived from the Greek base verb phero, meaning to carry. The Greek prefix dia- means through or throughout. The Greek diaphero means to differ, to be unlike, and to stand out. This term also takes on a sense of carrying away. The related Latin verb is differe. Defer pertains to the sense of postponing, putting off, yielding, or carrying away.
Conclusion:
Differ, differing, differentiate, difference, defer
I was surprised upon learning about the many meanings of this term. Such nuanced examples include distinguishing oneself, standing out, making a difference, being important, and being discerning. I also would have never associated this term with carrying out and bringing about. Bearing through means being driven or carried.
In the Old Testament, other nuanced meanings appear. Such examples include being alienated, being changed, and doing something different (never been tried before). Daniel provides a clear-cut example of being different. Jeremiah is presented as being distinguished with white hair and with a majestic authority.
In the New Testament, in addition to its active sense, this term takes on the sense of distinguishing, differing, and discerning.
Update: We are already seeing the stark differences in policy decisions of the Biden administration compared with the Trump administration. We are already seeing the stark differences of legislation pertaining to election integrity. HR-1 (For the People Act), passed by Democrats, wants to expand mail-in voting and restrict voter photo identification. On the other hand, several states are already now passing legislation to restrict mail-in voting and to enforce voter identification. These states are now being criticized for suppressing (disenfranchising) minorities or even being racist. So is requiring photo ID and restricting the potential abuse of mail-in voting now considered racist?
9 things that require a photo ID:
Alcohol, cigarettes, renting a hotel room, purchasing cold medicines, getting a job, driving a car, buying a cell phone, getting on an airplane, getting married, but not voting. So is requiring photo ID for these things now also considered racist too?
If you ask me, this is all a bunch of blarney! (Happy St. Patrick’s Day)
I can say that this term is clearly “distinguished” by its many nuanced meanings.