Brief Overview of διπλοῦς (G1362: diplous)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διπλοῦς (dee-PLOOS)
• Etymology: The word διπλοῦς is derived from the root word “δι-” (di-), meaning “two” or “double,” combined with “πλοῦς” (plous), which relates to something that is folded or layered. It literally means “twofold” or “double.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Double or Twofold: The primary meaning of διπλοῦς is “double” or “twofold,” referring to something that is doubled in amount, degree, or nature.
• Dual Nature: In some contexts, it can also refer to something that possesses two aspects or qualities simultaneously, reflecting dual characteristics.
• Repetition or Duplication: It can imply repetition or the existence of two identical or similar things.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The word διπλοῦς is an adjective in the masculine form and can be inflected to match the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. It retains the meaning of “double” across different contexts.
• Usage in Context: The adjective is often used to describe objects, quantities, or characteristics that are doubled. For example, a “double portion” or “double honor” would be described using this word in Greek.
• Comparative and Superlative Forms: As an adjective, διπλοῦς can have comparative and superlative forms (διπλότερος, διπλότατος), though these forms are less common in classical Greek.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG describes διπλοῦς as an adjective meaning “double” or “twofold.” It is used to denote something that is twice as much or possesses a dual nature.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:15 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon emphasizes the word’s meaning as “twofold” or “double” and notes its usage in both literal and figurative contexts.
• Scripture Reference: Revelation 18:6 – “Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her.”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s Concordance lists διπλοῦς as G1362, highlighting its meaning as “double” or “twofold,” with references to its use in describing quantities or characteristics that are doubled.
• Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 5:17 – “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s mentions διπλοῦς in the context of its use in the New Testament, particularly in passages where the idea of doubling, whether in honor or judgment, is emphasized.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 23:15 – The reference to “making him twice as much a child of hell” highlights the word’s negative connotation in this context.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus’ Histories: διπλοῦς is used to describe military formations or the doubling of rewards or punishments in various contexts. For example, a soldier might receive a “double portion” of food or pay.
• Homer’s Iliad: The word appears in descriptions of doubled defenses or armor, indicating something that is reinforced or layered twice.
• Plato’s Dialogues: Plato uses διπλοῦς to discuss philosophical concepts that have dual aspects, such as justice being both a virtue and a form of wisdom.

Summary

The Greek word διπλοῦς (G1362) is an adjective that means “double” or “twofold.” It is used in both literal and figurative contexts throughout Greek literature and the New Testament. The word is often associated with the concept of doubling, whether in terms of quantity, nature, or characteristic. In the New Testament, it is used to describe both positive and negative situations, such as “double honor” or “double judgment.” Understanding διπλοῦς provides insight into how the idea of doubling or twofold nature is expressed in Greek, contributing to a deeper comprehension of the passages where it is used.