Matthew 3:14 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? John forbad him - Earnestly and pressingly opposed him: this is the proper import of the words διεκωλευεν αυτον. I have observed that δια, in composition, most frequently, if not always, strengthens the signification in classic authors. - Wakefield.