1359. Dioskouroi

Lexical Summary

Dioskouroi: Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux

Original Word: Διόσκουροι
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Dioskouroi
Pronunciation: dee-os'-koo-roy
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-os'-koo-roy)
KJV: Castor and Pollux
NASB: Twin brothers
Word Origin: [from the alternate of G2203 (Ζεύς - Zeus) and a form of the base of G2877 (κοράσιον - girl)]

1. sons of Jupiter, i.e. the twins Dioscuri

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Castor and Pollux.

From the alternate of Zeus and a form of the base of korasion; sons of Jupiter, i.e. The twins Dioscuri -- Castor and Pollux.

see GREEK Zeus

see GREEK korasion

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from Dios (see diopetés) and pl. of kouros (boy)
Definition
the Dioscuri, twin sons of Zeus (Castor and Pollux)
NASB Translation
Twin brothers (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1359: Διόσκουροι

Διόσκουροι (Phrynichus prefers the form Διόσκοροι; in earlier Attic the dual τῷ Διοσκόρω was more usual, cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 235), Διοσκορων, οἱ (from Διός of Zeus, and κοῦρος; or κόρος, boy, as κόρη, girl), Dioscuri, the name given to Castor and ((Polydeuces, the Roman)) Pollux, the twin sons of Zeus and Leda, tutelary deities of sailors: Acts 28:11 (R. V. The Twin Brothers; cf. B. D. under the word ).

Topical Lexicon

Term Overview

Strong’s Greek Number 1359 designates the name “Dioscuri,” a plural form referring to the twin sons of Zeus in Greco-Roman mythology, Castor and Pollux. The name appears once in the New Testament to identify the carved image adorning an Alexandrian vessel on which the Apostle Paul continued his voyage to Rome.

Biblical Occurrence and Context

Acts 28:11: “After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, whose figurehead was the Dioscuri.”

Luke records the detail immediately after describing Paul’s fruitful ministry on Malta. The mention functions as:

1. A historical marker anchoring the narrative in verifiable nautical practice.
2. A literary bridge that contrasts pagan symbolism with the gospel witness embodied by Paul and his companions.

Historical and Cultural Background

1. Maritime Patronage. The Dioscuri were revered as protectors of sailors. Their emblem commonly appeared on Mediterranean ships, much as modern vessels display national flags or mascots. Ancient sailors petitioned these “divine twins” for safe passage, believing they could quell storms and guide ships to harbor.
2. Alexandrian Grain Fleet. Vessels from Alexandria regularly hauled Egyptian grain to Rome. Luke’s specification of an Alexandrian ship situates Paul within the imperial supply network that kept Rome fed during winter.
3. Wintering on Malta. Custom required ships to remain in harbor during the stormy winter season (Acts 27:12; 28:11). The three-month delay validates Luke’s firsthand knowledge of seafaring practice.
4. Iconography Versus Reality. The carved image of pagan deities stood in stark contrast to the living God who had just preserved Paul through shipwreck and serpent bite (Acts 27:22-25; 28:3-6).

Theological Significance

1. Sovereignty Over Idols. By recording the voyage on a ship dedicated to myths, Scripture underscores that the Lord rules irrespective of human superstition. While sailors trusted carved twins, Paul trusted “the God to whom I belong and whom I serve” (Acts 27:23).
2. Gospel Advance Amid Idolatry. Paul’s presence on the Dioscuri-bearing vessel foreshadows his witness in the heart of Rome (Acts 28:30-31). The gospel advances not by avoiding pagan contexts but by engaging them with truth (see Acts 17:16-34).
3. Historical Reliability. Details such as a ship’s figurehead corroborate Luke’s accuracy. Archaeological discoveries confirm Dioscuri carvings on first-century ships, reinforcing confidence in Scripture’s testimony.
4. Fulfillment of Mission. Acts 23:11 assured Paul, “You must also testify in Rome.” The Dioscuri episode marks divine providence using ordinary—and even idolatrous—means to carry out that promise.

Lessons for Ministry

1. Bold Presence in Secular Spaces. Modern believers traverse workplaces, classrooms, and marketplaces emblazoned with secular “figureheads.” Paul models faithful presence, viewing such settings as opportunities rather than threats.
2. Trust in God, Not Symbols. Safety and success come from the Lord, not cultural talismans, slogans, or technology (Psalm 20:7).
3. Cultural Literacy Without Compromise. Luke names the Dioscuri without sensationalism. Awareness of surrounding culture equips effective witness (Colossians 4:5-6) while guarding against syncretism (1 Corinthians 10:14-22).
4. Providence Through Common Grace. Just as God employed a grain ship for Paul’s transport, He often uses secular institutions to advance kingdom purposes—governments (Romans 13:1-4), roads, languages, or digital platforms.

Cross-References and Related Themes

• Pagan worship encountered by apostles: Acts 14:11-18 (Zeus and Hermes at Lystra); Acts 19:23-34 (Artemis of the Ephesians).
• Turning from idols to serve the living God: 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6.
• God’s sovereignty over the sea: Psalm 107:23-30; Jonah 1:4-17; Mark 4:35-41.
• Faithful witness on journeys: Genesis 24:27; Daniel 2:48-49; Philippians 1:12-13.

Forms and Transliterations

Διοσκουροις Διοσκούροις Dioskourois Dioskoúrois

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 28:11 N-DMP
GRK: Ἀλεξανδρινῷ παρασήμῳ Διοσκούροις
NAS: and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead.
KJV: whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
INT: an Alexandrian with a figurehead the twin gods [Castor and Pollux]

Strong's Greek 1359
1 Occurrence

Διοσκούροις — 1 Occ.