Brief Overview of διθάλασσος (G1337: dithálassos)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διθάλασσος (dee-THAH-las-sos)
• Etymology: The word διθάλασσος is a compound of δύο (dýo), meaning “two,” and θάλασσα (thálassa), meaning “sea” or “ocean.” Together, the word literally translates to “two-sea” or “between two seas.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Between Two Seas: διθάλασσος is primarily used to describe a location that is situated between two seas or bodies of water. It conveys the idea of a landform or place that is bordered by or located near two different seas.
• Isthmus: By extension, the word can also refer to an isthmus, a narrow strip of land with sea on either side, forming a link between two larger areas of land.

Further Insights

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine
• Number: Singular
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative (depending on usage)
• Degree: Positive

Further Insights Explained:

• διθάλασσος is an adjective that can be used in either the masculine or feminine gender, depending on the noun it modifies. It is found in the positive degree, indicating a descriptive quality without comparison. The word’s form will change based on its grammatical role in a sentence, whether it functions as a subject, object, or in relation to another noun.

Disclaimer: The specific case and usage of διθάλασσος can vary based on the context in which it appears. The above information represents the typical morphological features of the word.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG identifies διθάλασσος as an adjective meaning “between two seas.” The lexicon notes its usage in describing geographical locations that are situated between two bodies of water.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:41

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Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon provides a similar definition, explaining διθάλασσος as “between two seas.” It highlights its use in biblical texts to describe specific locations.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:41

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διθάλασσος as an adjective referring to a landform or place that lies between two seas. It is often used in contexts where geography and navigation are discussed.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:41

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ mentions διθάλασσος as “between two seas,” with a focus on its geographical implications, particularly in describing isthmuses or similar landforms.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:41

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines διθάλασσος as “between two seas,” and notes its usage in the New Testament in the context of a shipwreck near such a location.
• Scripture References: Acts 27:41

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Strabo, Geography: In Strabo’s Geography, διθάλασσος is used to describe regions that are situated between two bodies of water, often highlighting strategic or economic importance due to their location.
• Pausanias, Description of Greece: Pausanias employs διθάλασσος to discuss locations in ancient Greece that were known for being positioned between two seas, particularly in reference to narrow land passages.
• Polybius, Histories: Polybius uses διθάλασσος when describing military campaigns that took place near isthmuses or other areas bordered by two seas, emphasizing the tactical advantages of such locations.

Summary

διθάλασσος (G1337: dithálassos) is a Greek adjective meaning “between two seas.” It is derived from the combination of δύο (dýo), meaning “two,” and θάλασσα (thálassa), meaning “sea.” The term is primarily used to describe locations or landforms situated between two bodies of water, such as isthmuses or coastal regions. In the New Testament, διθάλασσος appears in Acts 27:41, where it describes the location of a shipwreck. The word is also found in classical Greek literature, where it is used to discuss geographical features and their strategic significance. Understanding διθάλασσος provides insight into the geographical and navigational contexts of both biblical and classical texts.