Pronunciation Guide: am-FOT-er-oy

Basic Definition

Strong’s G297: ἀμφότεροι (amphoteroi) refers to both members of a pair, indicating a complete set of two. It emphasizes the unity and completeness of two distinct entities or persons being considered together. This term is distinctive from other Greek words for “both” as it specifically denotes the wholeness of a pair while maintaining their individual identities.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective (Cardinal Number)
• Origin: Proto-Indo-European roots *ambʰi- (“around, about”) + *h₁no-teros (“other”)
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections and doctrinal teachings
• Appears in both Classical and Koine Greek
• Often used in contexts emphasizing completeness or totality of a pair

ἀμφότεροι Morphology:

• ἀμφότεροι (nominative masculine plural) – both
• ἀμφοτέρων (genitive plural) – of both
• ἀμφοτέροις (dative plural) – to/for both
• ἀμφοτέρους (accusative masculine plural) – both (as object)
• ἀμφότερα (nominative/accusative neuter plural) – both things

Origin & History

The word ἀμφότεροι has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, appearing frequently in works by Plato and Aristotle when discussing philosophical dualities. In Plato’s “Republic,” he uses it to describe the harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. The term gained special significance in the Septuagint, where it was used to translate the Hebrew שְׁנֵיהֶם (shneihem), particularly in contexts involving covenantal relationships.

In early church father literature, Clement of Alexandria employed ἀμφότεροι in his “Stromata” when discussing the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing their joint inheritance in the Messiah. The term’s usage evolved to emphasize not just numerical duality but also theological unity.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Both together as a complete unit
• Each of two
• Both simultaneously
• The pair in its entirety

ἀμφότεροι Translation Options:

• “Both” – Most common translation, emphasizing the pair as a unit
• “Both together” – When emphasizing simultaneous action or state
• “The two” – When focusing on individuality within unity
• “Both of them” – When emphasizing the completeness of the pair

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀμφότεροι in Matthew 9:17 is significant, where Yeshua uses it to describe how both new wine and old wineskins would be ruined if not properly paired. This usage establishes a pattern throughout the New Testament where the word often appears in contexts of divine wisdom regarding proper relationships and unity.

In Ephesians 2:14-18, Paul employs ἀμφότεροι to describe how the Messiah has made Jew and Gentile one, breaking down the middle wall of partition. The term appears throughout Acts and the Epistles in contexts emphasizing unity in the Body of Messiah.

Key verses:

• “Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both [ἀμφότεροι] are preserved.” Matthew 9:17
• “For through Him we both [ἀμφότεροι] have access in one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:18
• “And both [ἀμφότεροι] were righteous before God.” Luke 1:6
• “For both [ἀμφότεροι] he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one.” Hebrews 2:11

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of “both” held special significance in legal matters where two witnesses were required to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). The Hebrew mindset often thought in terms of pairs: heaven and earth, this world and the world to come, body and soul. The Greek ἀμφότεροι captured this dualistic yet unified thinking perfectly.

The term was also significant in ancient marriage ceremonies, where both parties would drink from the same cup, symbolizing their unity while maintaining their distinct identities. This cultural practice illuminates the deeper meaning of ἀμφότεροι as unity without uniformity.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀμφότεροι in the New Testament reveals profound theological truths about God’s plan for unity in diversity. It appears prominently in passages about the reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, showing that God’s redemptive plan embraces both while preserving their distinct callings and identities.

This word choice is particularly significant in Ephesians, where it emphasizes that salvation brings together both Jews and Gentiles into one new man while maintaining their distinct identities – a mystery hidden for ages but now revealed in the Messiah. The term beautifully expresses how God brings unity without demanding uniformity.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀμφότεροι challenges us to embrace God’s design for unity in diversity. Whether in marriage, church leadership, or community relationships, this word reminds us that true biblical unity doesn’t erase distinct identities but rather celebrates them within God’s perfect design.

This understanding can transform how we approach differences within the Body of Messiah, helping us see that God often works through pairs and complementary relationships to accomplish His purposes. It encourages us to seek unity without demanding uniformity.

Related Words

• δύο (duo) – two (basic cardinal number) – emphasizes simple numerical value rather than unity See G1417
• ἑκάτερος (hekateros) – each of two – focuses on individuality rather than unity See G1538
• σύν (sun) – together with – emphasizes accompaniment but not necessarily as a complete pair See G4862
• ζεῦγος (zeugos) – yoke, pair – emphasizes the physical joining of two See G2201

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek mathematics, ἀμφότεροι was used to describe the complementary relationship between odd and even numbers, revealing how early philosophers understood the concept of unified dualities.
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts when describing the symmetrical parts of the body, emphasizing both their distinctness and their essential unity for proper functioning.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀμφότεροι in legal documents when referring to both parties in a contract, maintaining its ancient connotation of unity with distinct responsibilities.

Remember This

ἀμφότεροι reminds us that in God’s economy, unity doesn’t mean uniformity – it means two distinct entities working together in perfect harmony for His divine purpose.