====== διά ======
{{tag>greek}}
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Meaning:
  * Through
  * Because
  * On account of

Preposition that relates to movement through space, time, means or cause - it's a preposition of movement and mediation.

When used with the genitive case, διά emphasizes the means or channel by which something happens.

When used with the accusative case, διά emphasizes the reason or cause behind something that happens.

===== Meaning by case =====

| **Case governed** | **Basic meaning** | **Expanded sense** | **Example (Greek)**  | **Translation** |
| **Genitive** | through, by means of | Instrumental or agency — through, by, by means of | δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο πάντα (<autott>john_1:3|John 1:3</autott>) | "All things were made **through him**." |
| **Accusative** | because of, on account of | Causal — because of, for the sake of | διὰ τὴν ἀνομίαν (<autott>matthew_24:12|Matthew 24:12</autott>) | "Because of lawlessness." |

===== Theological Significance =====

In the New Testament, διά often highlights agency or intermediacy, especially in divine action:

| **Theological Theme** | **Phrase** | **Meaning**  |
| **Creation through Christ**  | πάντα δι’ αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο (<autott>john_1:3|John 1:3</autott>) | All things came into being **through Him** |
| **Salvation through Christ** | σωτηρία διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (<autott>2_timothy_2:10|2 Timothy 2:10</autott>) | Salvation **through Jesus Christ** |
| **Faith as means** | δικαίωσις διὰ πίστεως (<autott>romans_5:1|Romans 5:1</autott>) | Justification **through faith** |
| **Grace as channel** | χάρις διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (<autott>john_1:17|John 1:17</autott>) | Grace came **through Jesus Christ** |

This shows διά’s central role in expressing mediation - everything God does, He does through someone or something.

===== Forms =====

| **Before consonant** | **Before vowel (smooth breathing)** | **Before vowel (rough breathing)** |
| διά | δι’ | δι’ |