Brief Overview of δίδραχμον (G1323: dídrachmon)

Word Details

• Transliteration: δίδραχμον (dídrachmon) [DEE-drahk-mon]
• Etymology: Composed of two parts: δίς (dis), meaning “twice,” and δραχμή (drachmḗ), meaning “drachma,” an ancient Greek silver coin. Therefore, δίδραχμον literally means “two drachmas.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

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• Two-Drachma Coin: The primary meaning of δίδραχμον is a coin worth two drachmas. The drachma was a standard silver coin used in ancient Greece, and the δίδραχμον was commonly used in various transactions, particularly for payment of the temple tax in Jewish tradition.
• Temple Tax Payment: In the context of the New Testament, the δίδραχμον specifically refers to the two-drachma tax that Jewish males were required to pay annually for the maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Further Insights

• Gender: Neuter
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Declension: Second

Further Insights Explained:

• δίδραχμον is a neuter noun that typically appears in the singular form, though its meaning is inherently plural, referring to the value of two drachmas. As a second-declension noun in Greek, its endings change based on the grammatical case being used. This noun specifically denotes a monetary unit, emphasizing its value in ancient economic and religious practices.

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above reflect the general use of δίδραχμον as a neuter noun in the singular form. The word’s specific form and function may vary depending on its context within a sentence.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• δίδραχμον is defined as a two-drachma coin, often referring to the tax imposed on Jewish males for the upkeep of the Temple in Jerusalem. The term is used in the New Testament in the context of the temple tax.
• Scripture References: Matthew 17:24

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes δίδραχμον as meaning a two-drachma coin, a term used to describe a specific amount of money, particularly in the context of the Jewish temple tax.
• Scripture References: Matthew 17:24

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that δίδραχμον refers to a coin worth two drachmas, with a particular focus on its use in the New Testament for the temple tax payment.
• Scripture References: Matthew 17:24

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines δίδραχμον as a two-drachma piece, used in various Greek city-states as a standard unit of currency. In the New Testament, it is specifically associated with the temple tax.
• Scripture References: Matthew 17:24

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines δίδραχμον as a noun meaning two drachmas, specifically referencing the coin used for the temple tax in the New Testament.
• Scripture References: Matthew 17:24

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus mentions δίδραχμον in the context of various economic transactions in ancient Greece, where the coin served as a standard unit of exchange in commercial activities.
• Plutarch, Moralia: Plutarch references δίδραχμον in discussions about financial practices in ancient Greek society, highlighting its value and widespread use.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: In Xenophon’s Anabasis, the δίδραχμον is mentioned as part of the soldier’s pay, indicating its role in the economy of Greek city-states.

Summary

δίδραχμον (G1323: dídrachmon) is a Greek noun that primarily refers to a coin worth two drachmas. The drachma was a standard silver coin in ancient Greece, and the δίδραχμον played a significant role in various economic transactions, including the payment of the Jewish temple tax, as mentioned in Matthew 17:24. The term is well-attested in both classical and biblical Greek literature, where it serves as a symbol of financial value and religious obligation. As a second-declension neuter noun, δίδραχμον’s form reflects its function as a monetary unit, emphasizing its significance in ancient economic and religious contexts.