Lexical Summary diplous: Double Original Word: διπλοῦς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance double, two-fold more. From dis and (probably) the base of pleion; two-fold -- double, two-fold more. see GREEK dis see GREEK pleion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dis and perhaps ploos Definition twofold, double NASB Translation double (1), double* (1), twice as much (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1362: διπλωςδιπλως (διπλοῦς), διπλοη (διπλῆ, διπλων, διπλοῦν (from Homer down), twofold, double: 1 Timothy 5:17; Revelation 18:6; διπλοτερος (a comparitive found also in Appian. hist. praef. § 10, from the positive form διπλός (Buttmann, 27 (24))) ὑμῶν, twofold more than yourselves, Matthew 23:15 ((cf. Justin Martyr, dialog contra Trypho, 122)). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek term 1362 is found only four times in the New Testament and consistently conveys the idea of something “double” or “twofold.” Whether used to describe honor, condemnation, or recompense, the word underscores the principle that God deals with humanity in exact and intensified measure—blessing the faithful richly and judging unrepentant wickedness with perfect justice. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts 1. Matthew 23:15 – Jesus warns the scribes and Pharisees that their proselytes become “twice as much a son of hell” as themselves. The double designation intensifies the tragedy of misled converts and lays bare the grave responsibility of religious leaders. 2. 1 Timothy 5:17 – Paul instructs Timothy that faithful elders “are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.” Here the term sets a premium on diligent pastoral labor, mandating generous remuneration and public esteem. 3–4. Revelation 18:6 – In the fall of end-times Babylon the heavenly voice commands, “Pay her back double for what she has done; mix her a double portion in her own cup.” The duplicated use in the verse highlights the certainty and severity of divine retribution against systemic evil. Thematic Implications Justice and Retribution Scripture often presents a “measure-for-measure” principle (Exodus 22:4; Isaiah 40:2). The doubled repayment in Revelation 18 anchors that theme in eschatology, assuring believers that God will vindicate righteousness and avenge oppression fully and visibly. Leadership Accountability Matthew 23:15 exposes the peril of hypocritical leadership: those who corrupt the gospel multiply ruin. The “double” expression confronts every teacher or missionary with the sobering truth that their influence, for good or ill, is compounded in others. Honor and Provision In 1 Timothy 5:17 “double honor” combines financial support (implied by the immediate context of wages in verse 18) and social respect. Churches are called to mirror God’s generosity—rewarding faithful shepherds not with bare subsistence but with ample care. Old Testament Parallels • Deuteronomy 21:17 accords the firstborn a “double portion,” establishing a precedent of special allotment to the rightful heir. These passages illuminate how the “double” concept oscillates between abundant blessing for covenant faithfulness and intensified judgment for stubborn rebellion. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Cultivate Transparent Teaching – Because influence can create “twofold” disciples, leaders must guard doctrine and model holiness, lest error multiply. Doctrinal Reflections The four occurrences collectively affirm divine proportionality. God’s economy magnifies outcomes: grace is lavish toward obedience, and wrath is exacting toward evil. This dynamic weaves through redemptive history, culminating at the final judgment where every deed receives its fitting—often doubled—response. Summary Strong’s 1362 serves as a concise yet potent reminder that in God’s moral order nothing is trivial. Dedication earns heightened honor, hypocrisy compounds condemnation, and evil systems face doubled doom. The Church, therefore, is summoned to earnest faithfulness, generous support of its leaders, and steadfast hope in the perfect, and sometimes “double,” justice of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations διπλα διπλά διπλᾶ διπλαί διπλάς διπλης διπλής διπλῆς διπλοτερον διπλότερον διπλουν διπλούν διπλοῦν διπλούς διπλώ dipla diplâ diples diplês diplēs diplē̂s diploteron diplóteron diploun diploûnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 23:15 Adj-AMS-CGRK: υἱὸν γεέννης διπλότερον ὑμῶν NAS: one, you make him twice as much a son KJV: him twofold more the child INT: a son of hell twofold more than yourselves 1 Timothy 5:17 Adj-GFS Revelation 18:6 Adj-ANP Revelation 18:6 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 1362 |
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