διϋλίζω

Pronunciation Guide: dee-oo-LID-zoh (with emphasis on the third syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1368: διϋλίζω (diulizō) refers to the process of carefully straining or filtering liquids to remove impurities, small particles, or insects. In biblical usage, it describes the meticulous act of filtering drinks through a cloth or sieve to ensure purity. The term carries powerful metaphorical implications regarding religious fastidiousness, particularly when contrasted with neglect of weightier spiritual matters.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Components: διά (dia, “through”) + ὑλίζω (hulizō, “to filter, strain”)
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Teaching passages, particularly in criticism of religious hypocrisy
• Voice: Active
• Tense: Present
• Used in: Declarative statements

διϋλίζω Morphology:

• διϋλίζω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I strain out
• διϋλίζεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you strain out
• διϋλίζει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it strains out
• διϋλίζοντες (present active participle, nominative plural masculine) – straining out, those who strain out
• διϋλίσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to strain out (completed action)

Origin & History

The term διϋλίζω emerges from ancient practices of food and drink preparation. The prefix διά (dia) suggests thoroughness—straining “through completely”—while the base ὑλίζω (hulizō) refers to the filtering process itself. In classical Greek literature, the term appears in works discussing household management and proper food preparation, reflecting the practical concern for cleanliness in daily life.

In the Septuagint (LXX), this specific term does not appear, though related concepts of ritual purification and cleanliness are prominent throughout the Torah. The absence of this term in the LXX yet its appearance in the Gospels suggests it may have been part of common vernacular used to describe everyday practices that became metaphorically significant in rabbinic teachings of the first century. Historical records from contemporaries of Yeshua (Jesus), including writings preserved by Josephus, indicate that various Jewish sects of the period had developed elaborate rituals for purifying food and drink that went beyond Torah requirements.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The meticulous process of filtering liquids through cloth or a fine sieve to remove small impurities
• A metaphor for excessive attention to minor details while neglecting more significant matters
• An action representing ceremonial or ritual purification practices
• A symbol of legalistic religious observance divorced from spiritual substance

διϋλίζω Translation Options:

• To strain out – The most literal translation, conveying the physical action of removing small particles from liquid
• To filter – Emphasizes the process of separation that occurs during the action
• To sift – Highlights the careful examination involved in the process
• To purify through straining – Captures both the action and its intended purpose of achieving purity

Biblical Usage

The term διϋλίζω appears only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 23:24, where Yeshua delivers a pointed criticism of the religious leaders: “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” This powerful statement employs διϋλίζω in a metaphorical sense to highlight the hypocritical practice of being meticulous about minor religious observances while neglecting more significant matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (mentioned in the preceding verse, Matthew 23:23).

The singular appearance of this term makes it particularly significant, especially considering its placement within the “woes” Yeshua pronounces against the religious leaders in Matthew 23. Though the word appears only once, the concept it represents—that of misplaced religious scrupulosity—appears throughout Yeshua’s teachings and confrontations with religious authorities of His day. The vividness of the imagery (straining out tiny gnats while swallowing camels) creates a memorable and effective teaching moment that encapsulates a central theme of Yeshua’s ministry: the danger of emphasizing ritual purity over heart transformation.

• “You blind guides, who strain out [διϋλίζοντες] a gnat and swallow a camel!” Matthew 23:24

Cultural Insights

The practice of straining wine was common in ancient Jewish culture, not merely for aesthetic reasons but for religious ones. According to rabbinic interpretations of Leviticus 11:41-43, consuming insects, even accidentally, would render a person ceremonially unclean. Since wine was often stored in open containers, tiny gnats or flies could easily fall in. Observant Jews would therefore pour their wine through a cloth or specialized sieve to ensure no insects were consumed.

This practice became particularly emphasized among the Pharisees, who prided themselves on their meticulous observance of both written Torah and oral traditions. Archaeological discoveries from first-century Jerusalem include fine mesh sieves believed to have been used for this purpose. The irony that Yeshua points out is profound: these religious leaders were concerned about accidentally consuming the smallest unclean creature (the gnat) while metaphorically “swallowing” massive violations of Torah principles. The gnat was among the smallest creatures considered unclean, while the camel was the largest unclean animal familiar to Yeshua’s audience. The hyperbole would have been both humorous and devastating to those being addressed.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of διϋλίζω extend far beyond a simple criticism of ancient religious practices. Yeshua’s use of this term illuminates a fundamental spiritual principle that remains relevant: the danger of religious formalism that neglects the heart of יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) commandments. The contrast between straining out gnats while swallowing camels illustrates how human religious systems often invert divine priorities, emphasizing the visible and measurable over the inward and substantive.

This principle connects to the prophetic tradition, particularly echoing the words of prophets like Isaiah, who declared, “These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me” (Isaiah 29:13). The Messiah’s use of διϋλίζω serves as a powerful reminder that יהוה desires mercy over sacrifice, justice over ritual, and faithfulness over formalism. True righteousness must begin with heart transformation that then manifests in outward actions—not vice versa. This teaching remains central to understanding the New Covenant that Yeshua established, which emphasizes the law written on hearts rather than tablets of stone (Jeremiah 31:33).

Personal Application

When we examine our own spiritual lives through the lens of διϋλίζω, we must ask ourselves: Where might we be “straining out gnats while swallowing camels”? Perhaps we focus on precise doctrinal statements while failing to demonstrate love to our neighbors. Or maybe we’re meticulous about church attendance while harboring unforgiveness or pride. Yeshua’s teaching challenges us to evaluate whether our religious practices align with the weightier matters of the Torah: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

This doesn’t mean abandoning careful obedience to יהוה’s commands. Rather, it invites us to ensure that our outward observances flow from inward transformation. When we approach spiritual disciplines with hearts surrendered to the Messiah, even our “straining” becomes an act of worship rather than self-righteousness. The key is maintaining proper spiritual perspective, allowing the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to guide us toward true righteousness that begins with a clean heart and manifests in loving actions toward both יהוה and others.

Related Words

• καθαρίζω (katharizō) [kath-ar-ID-zoh] – To cleanse, purify, or make clean; addresses more comprehensive purification beyond just straining. While διϋλίζω focuses specifically on filtering out particles, καθαρίζω encompasses broader concepts of cleansing and purification, often with spiritual implications. See G2511
• διακρίνω (diakrinō) [dee-ak-REE-no] – To separate, distinguish, discern between things; shares the prefix διά with διϋλίζω but applies to mental or spiritual discernment rather than physical straining. This term refers to the ability to judge correctly between options or ideas. See G1252
• καθαίρω (kathairō) [kath-AI-ro] – To cleanse, purge, or prune; relates to removing unwanted elements but typically applies to agricultural contexts like pruning vines rather than straining liquids. See G2508
• σινιάζω (siniazō) [sin-ee-AD-zo] – To sift, as grain; another separating process but with different emphasis—sifting grain rather than straining liquid. Yeshua used this term when warning Peter about Satan’s desire to “sift” him like wheat. See G4617
• δοκιμάζω (dokimazō) [dok-im-AD-zo] – To test, examine, prove, scrutinize; a process of evaluation and verification that, like διϋλίζω, involves careful examination, but focuses on testing quality rather than physical filtering. See G1381

Did You Know?

• Did you know that ancient Jewish wine strainers discovered by archaeologists were often made of fine linen or specialized metal mesh? These implements were commonly used in wealthier households specifically to comply with religious dietary restrictions. The attention to detail in creating these tools demonstrates how seriously the practice of straining wine was taken—not as mere preference but as religious obligation. Some rabbinical texts even specified the ideal mesh size to ensure gnats would be caught while allowing the wine to flow properly.
• Did you know that the contrast between gnats and camels in Yeshua’s teaching contains a subtle wordplay in Aramaic that would have been immediately recognizable to His audience? The Aramaic words for “gnat” (galma) and “camel” (gamla) sound very similar, adding an element of memorable irony to His critique that would have made it especially impactful and possibly even more humiliating to those being criticized. This linguistic connection reveals Yeshua’s rhetorical brilliance and cultural awareness in crafting His teachings.
• Did you know that modern Orthodox Jewish practice still includes careful inspection of certain foods, particularly leafy vegetables and herbs, to ensure no insects are consumed? This practice, known as “bedikah” (inspection), demonstrates the continuity of concern for dietary purity from ancient times to the present. While modern technology has made the process easier, the fundamental spiritual concern that Yeshua addressed—balancing ritual observance with heart transformation—remains a vital question in contemporary religious practice across many faith traditions.

Remember This

διϋλίζω reminds us that authentic faith always maintains proper spiritual proportion—attending to details without losing sight of the greater principles of love, justice, and mercy that reflect the very heart of יהוה.