Brief Overview of δευτεραῖος (G1206: deuteraios)

Deuteraios (pronounced dyoo-teh-RAY-os) is a Greek adjective that means “second” or “on the second day.” The word is derived from the root δεύτερος (deuteros), which means “second” or “next in order.” This term is often used to describe something that occurs on the second day after a particular event or as a reference to the second day in a sequence.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δεύτερος (deuteros), meaning “second.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective.

Primary Meanings:

• Second: The primary meaning of δευτεραῖος is “second” or “on the second day,” used to refer to something that occurs on the day following the first.
• Pertaining to the Second Day: The term is also used more generally to refer to anything associated with the second day, whether in a sequence or a specific event.

Scripture References

1. Acts 28:13: “From there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhegium. And after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day (δευτεραῖος) we came to Puteoli.”
2. Luke 13:32: “And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.”‘”
   (Note: The second day is implied but not directly stated in this verse; it’s related to understanding sequences of days in biblical events.)

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) describes δευτεραῖος as an adjective related to δεύτερος, primarily used to indicate something that occurs on the second day. BDAG notes that the term is relatively rare in the New Testament, but it carries the specific meaning of something happening or being associated with the second day after an event.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also defines δευτεραῖος as “second” or “pertaining to the second day.” Thayer’s emphasizes the term’s usage in contexts where the sequence of days is important, such as in recounting travel narratives or specific events that span multiple days. The lexicon notes that δευτεραῖος is particularly relevant in passages where the timing of events is significant for understanding the narrative.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this understanding, noting that δευτεραῖος is used to describe events or actions that occur on the second day. Vine’s highlights the term’s usage in the New Testament as primarily related to travel or events that are part of a sequence, emphasizing the importance of day-to-day progression in understanding biblical timelines.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a concise definition of δευτεραῖος as “on the second day.” The concordance highlights the term’s use in Acts 28:13, where it is used to describe the arrival at Puteoli on the second day of travel. Strong’s notes that the term is specifically used to mark the passage of time in narratives where the sequence of days is important.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Herodotus’ “Histories”: In Histories, δευτεραῖος is used to describe events that occur on the second day of battles or other significant sequences. The term helps to delineate the progression of events over time, particularly in military contexts.
2. Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”: Thucydides uses δευτεραῖος to describe actions taken on the second day of battles or negotiations. The term is used to highlight the timing of events and the importance of sequences in the narrative.
3. Plato’s “Laws”: In Laws, δευτεραῖος is used to refer to activities or decisions made on the second day of deliberations or festivals. The term is employed to mark the progression of time and the importance of consecutive days in the structure of events.

Summary

Deuteraios (G1206) is a Greek adjective meaning “second” or “on the second day,” derived from the root δεύτερος (deuteros), which means “second.” The term is used in the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe events or actions that occur on the second day after a particular event or within a sequence. Deuteraios emphasizes the importance of timing and the progression of events over consecutive days, particularly in narratives where the sequence of days is significant for understanding the story. While relatively rare in the New Testament, deuteraios plays a crucial role in marking the passage of time in travel narratives and other contexts where the timing of events is important.