Brief Overview of Δίδυμος (G1324: Dídymos)

Word Details

• Transliteration: Δίδυμος (Dídymos) [DEE-dee-mos]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word “δίς” (dis), meaning “twice” or “double,” and related to the concept of twinning or pairing.
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Twin: The primary meaning of Δίδυμος is “twin.” This term was often used as a name, most notably for one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, Thomas, who is also called “Didymus” in the New Testament.
• Double: In a broader sense, Δίδυμος can refer to anything that is in a pair or has a twin-like relationship, emphasizing the concept of duplication or duality.

Further Insights

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

Further Insights Explained:

• Δίδυμος is a masculine noun of the second declension, and it is typically used in the singular form, especially when referring to an individual person known by this name. The noun’s form adjusts depending on its role in a sentence (subject, object, etc.), but its essential meaning remains rooted in the concept of “twin” or “double.”

Disclaimer: The morphological details provided above are based on the typical usage of Δίδυμος as a masculine noun in the singular form. Variations can occur depending on context.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• Δίδυμος is primarily defined as “twin.” It is used as a surname or additional name for the apostle Thomas in the New Testament. The term signifies his identity as a twin, though details about his twin sibling are not provided in the scriptures.
• Scripture References: John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes Δίδυμος as meaning “twin,” used as a surname for the apostle Thomas. This lexicon notes the cultural practice of using such descriptive names to indicate familial relationships or characteristics.
• Scripture References: John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains that Δίδυμος means “twin,” emphasizing its use as a secondary name for Thomas in the New Testament. It suggests that this name might have been used to distinguish him from others with similar names.
• Scripture References: John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines Δίδυμος as “twin,” with its usage extending beyond personal names to describe anything in pairs. The name “Didymus” appears in both classical and biblical texts, often as an identifier of an individual with a twin.
• Scripture References: John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines Δίδυμος as a noun meaning “twin,” specifically noting its use as an epithet for Thomas, one of the twelve apostles. It highlights the name’s significance in identifying Thomas’s unique characteristic among the disciples.
• Scripture References: John 11:16, John 20:24, John 21:2

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Homer, Iliad: While Δίδυμος is not directly mentioned, the concept of twins is well-represented in the Greek epics, often in the context of paired warriors or deities, such as the twin brothers Castor and Pollux.
• Plato, Timaeus: Plato uses the concept of duality or pairing in philosophical discussions, where terms like Δίδυμος could be applied metaphorically to ideas that exist in pairs or opposites.
• Herodotus, Histories: In his historical accounts, Herodotus references familial relationships where twins play a significant role, emphasizing the cultural importance of such pairings in Greek society.

Summary

Δίδυμος (G1324: Dídymos) is a Greek noun meaning “twin.” This term is most famously associated with Thomas, one of Jesus’ apostles, who is referred to as “Didymus” in the New Testament. The name signifies his identity as a twin, though little is known about his sibling. Δίδυμος reflects a broader cultural practice of using descriptive names to denote familial relationships or distinct characteristics. The word’s usage extends beyond personal names, as it can also describe anything that exists in pairs or has a dual nature. In classical literature, the concept of twins or pairing is a recurring theme, often symbolizing strength, unity, or duality. Overall, Δίδυμος is a term rich in meaning, encompassing both literal and metaphorical interpretations within Greek and biblical contexts.