Brief Overview of διπλόω (G1363: diploō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διπλόω (dee-PLOH-oh)
• Etymology: The word διπλόω is derived from the root word “δι-” (di-), meaning “two” or “double,” and the verb form “-πλόω” (-ploō), which means “to fold” or “to double.” The combination forms the verb meaning “to double” or “to fold over.”
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Double: The primary meaning of διπλόω is “to double,” referring to the action of making something twice as much or twice in number.
• To Fold Over: Another related meaning is “to fold over,” indicating the physical action of folding an object so that it becomes double-layered.
• To Duplicate: In some contexts, it can mean to duplicate or to make something a copy, effectively doubling its presence.

Further Insights

• Morphology: διπλόω is a verb that follows the standard conjugation patterns in Greek. It is typically used in the active voice, but can appear in the passive or middle voice as well, depending on the context in which it is used. The verb retains its meaning of doubling or folding over regardless of its voice or tense.
• Usage in Context: The verb is often used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Literally, it might describe the act of folding a piece of cloth or paper, while metaphorically, it could be used to describe the doubling of efforts, rewards, or consequences.
• Verb Forms: As a verb, διπλόω can be inflected to indicate various tenses, such as past, present, or future, and can be conjugated to reflect different subjects or objects being doubled.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG lists διπλόω as a verb meaning “to double” or “to fold,” noting its use in both physical and metaphorical contexts. The verb is commonly found in situations where something is being increased or multiplied by two.
• Scripture Reference: There are no specific references in the New Testament for this word, but its meaning aligns closely with the adjective διπλοῦς (double).

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s emphasizes the verb’s meaning as “to double” or “to fold over.” It highlights the word’s use in describing both literal actions (such as folding a garment) and figurative ones (such as doubling an effort or reward).
• Scripture Reference: No direct scripture reference, but it would be related to actions involving doubling or increasing something.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s Concordance identifies διπλόω as G1363, describing it as a verb meaning “to double” or “to fold.” The verb is noted for its usage in contexts where duplication or multiplication is involved.
• Scripture Reference: This word is not directly cited in the New Testament but would be understood in relation to other similar Greek words.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s Dictionary notes that while διπλόω is not directly referenced in the New Testament, it serves as an important verb in understanding actions related to doubling or folding. It would be used in contexts where something is made double or is duplicated.
• Scripture Reference: No direct references, but connected to the concept of doubling as seen in other Greek words.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Homer’s Odyssey: The verb διπλόω is used in descriptions of doubling over sails or folding garments, indicating a physical doubling action.
• Herodotus’ Histories: In Herodotus, the verb might describe the doubling of forces or resources, indicating an increase in quantity or effort.
• Plato’s Dialogues: Plato uses the verb in philosophical discussions, possibly metaphorically, to describe the doubling of certain virtues or efforts.

Summary

The Greek verb διπλόω (G1363) means “to double” or “to fold over.” It is used both literally, to describe the action of making something twice as much or folding it to create a double layer, and metaphorically, to describe doubling in efforts, rewards, or consequences. While this word is not directly cited in the New Testament, its meaning and usage are closely related to other Greek words that express the concept of doubling. Understanding διπλόω gives insight into how the Greek language expresses actions related to duplication, multiplication, or increasing by two, which is valuable in both literal and metaphorical contexts.