Brief Overview of δεύτερος (G1208: deuteros)

Deuteros (pronounced DYOO-ter-os) is a Greek adjective that means “second” in terms of sequence or rank. It is used to denote something that comes after the first in a series, whether in time, order, or importance. The term δεύτερος is often employed in the New Testament to refer to a subsequent event, item, or concept that follows the first.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: The word δεύτερος is not derived from another Greek word but stands on its own.
• Part of Speech: Adjective.

Primary Meanings:

• Second in Order: The primary meaning of δεύτερος is “second” in a sequence. This can refer to the second in a series of events, the second person in a list, or the second time something occurs.
• Second in Rank or Importance: The term can also imply being second in rank or importance, not just in sequence.

Scripture References

1. Hebrews 9:7: “But into the second (δεύτερος) went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the errors of the people.”
2. Luke 20:30: “And the second (δεύτερος) took her as wife, and he died childless.”
3. John 3:4: “Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second (δεύτερος) time into his mother’s womb and be born?'”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) describes δεύτερος as an adjective meaning “second” in a sequence or order. BDAG emphasizes the term’s usage in various contexts within the New Testament, where it commonly refers to the second occurrence of an event, the second item in a list, or the second level of something, such as the inner part of the tabernacle mentioned in Hebrews 9:7. BDAG notes that δεύτερος is used consistently across the New Testament to denote sequence, rank, or repetition.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon supports this understanding, defining δεύτερος as “second” and noting its widespread usage in the New Testament. Thayer’s highlights the word’s application in both literal and figurative contexts, whether referring to physical objects or abstract concepts. For instance, δεύτερος can refer to the second in a line of people or the second covenant mentioned in Hebrews 8:7.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains that δεύτερος is often used in relation to the concept of succession, whether in time, order, or importance. Vine’s notes that the term is frequently found in the Gospels and Epistles, where it is used to describe the second person, place, or event in a sequence. Vine’s also explores how the term can carry a symbolic meaning, such as in the case of the “second” covenant, which is understood to be superior to the first.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δεύτερος as “second.” Strong’s highlights the word’s use in various New Testament passages, emphasizing its role in denoting the sequence of events, people, or objects. The concordance points out that δεύτερος is consistently used across different contexts to indicate something that follows the first in a series.

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Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: The term δεύτερος is used in Homeric texts to describe the second warrior in a battle sequence or the second in command. In the Iliad, for example, δεύτερος is often used to describe the second-in-command in a military context, emphasizing the importance of rank and order in the narrative.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: In Histories, δεύτερος is used to denote the second event in a series of historical occurrences. Herodotus employs the term to describe the sequence of battles or the second city in a list of important locations, highlighting the importance of order in historical recounting.
3. Plato’s “Republic”: Plato uses δεύτερος in Republic to discuss the second-best or secondary forms of government, philosophy, or virtue. The term is used to compare the ideal (first) with the practical or realistic (second), often in the context of discussing human behavior and governance.

Summary

Deuteros (G1208) is a Greek adjective meaning “second” in terms of order, sequence, or rank. The term is widely used in the New Testament to describe the second occurrence of events, the second item in a list, or the second level of something, such as the second covenant or the second part of the tabernacle. Deuteros is consistently employed in both literal and figurative contexts to denote something that follows the first, whether in time, importance, or sequence. The term also appears in classical Greek literature, where it is used to describe second-in-command warriors, second events in historical narratives, and secondary forms of government or virtue. Deuteros is a fundamental term that plays a crucial role in understanding sequences, rankings, and comparisons in both biblical and classical Greek contexts.