Lexical Summary dis: Twice Original Word: δὶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance again, twice. Adverb from duo; twice -- again, twice. see GREEK duo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom duo Definition twice NASB Translation doubly (1), more* (2), twice (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1364: δίςδίς, adverb (Curtius, § 277; from Homer down), twice: Mark 14:30, 72; δίς τοῦ σαββάτου twice in the week, Luke 18:12; καί ἅπαξ καί δίς (see ἅπαξ, c.), Philippians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. In the phrase δίς ἀποθανόντα, Jude 1:12, δίς is not equivalent to completely, absolutely; but the figure is so adjusted to the fact, that men are represented as twice dead in a moral sense, first as not having yet been regenerated, and secondly as having fallen from a state of grace; see ἀποθνῄσκω, I. 4; (but compare the various interpretations as given in (Meyer) Huther or in Schaff's Lange (Fronm.) at the passage In the Babylonian Talmud (Ber. 10 a.) we read, 'Thou art dead here below, and thou shalt have no part in the life to come']. STRONGS NT 1364a: δισμυριάςδισμυριάς, δισμυριαδος, ἡ, twice ten thousand, two myriads: Revelation 9:16 L T (WH δίς μυριάδες), for R G δύο μυριάδες. The adverb translated “twice,” “a second time,” or “again” occurs seven times in the New Testament. While seemingly small, each appearance contributes to a larger tapestry of themes: prophetic precision, authentic righteousness, missionary partnership, sober warning, and apocalyptic scale. Occurrences in the New Testament Prophetic Precision in Mark Jesus singles out a tiny detail—“before the rooster crows twice” (Mark 14:30)—to underline both His omniscience and Peter’s impending failure. The repetition heightens the certainty of the prophecy; no ambiguity remains once the rooster crows the second time. When the event unfolds (Mark 14:72), the verb triggers Peter’s memory and leads to repentance, illustrating how precise prophecy can pierce the conscience and restore a disciple. Legal Echoes and the Power of Two Under Mosaic law a matter was established by “two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15). The second crow, the second attempt, the second death—all function as witnesses that seal a matter. The New Testament uses the adverb in ways that subtly echo this judicial standard, reinforcing that God’s verdicts are neither arbitrary nor reversible once confirmed. Pharisaic Piety Exposed (Luke 18:12) “I fast twice a week.” The Pharisee’s boast uses the adverb to parade rhythmic discipline while masking inner pride. Jesus’ parable shows that mere quantitative repetition—no matter how exact—cannot justify the heart. True righteousness flows from humble dependence, not from tallying devotions. Missionary Partnership and Perseverance Philippians 4:16: “Even while I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18: “We wanted to come to you… I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan hindered us.” In Philippians the adverb celebrates the church’s recurring generosity, proving that gospel partnership perseveres beyond a single gift. In 1 Thessalonians Paul’s thwarted attempts underscore the reality of spiritual opposition. The term therefore marks both encouragement (faithful support) and endurance (persistent effort despite hindrance). Warning to Apostates (Jude 1:12) False teachers are likened to “fruitless trees in autumn, twice dead, uprooted.” Their first “death” is their fruitlessness; the second, their final uprooting. The doubled demise signals irrevocable judgment. It also serves the faithful by drawing a clear line: ministries that refuse to repent after repeated calls will face decisive removal. Apocalyptic Magnitude (Revelation 9:16) The locust cavalry is counted at “two hundred million.” Literally “twice ten-thousand times ten-thousand,” the phrase conveys staggering enormity. Here the adverb magnifies scale, reminding readers that end-time events will overwhelm ordinary calculation. Human opposition to God escalates to massive proportions yet remains under His numbered control—John “heard their number.” Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Prophecy: Details matter. Fulfillment down to the second crow assures believers every promise will be kept. Conclusion Across predictive narrative, parable, epistle, general letter, and apocalypse, the simple adverb “twice” punctuates decisive moments. It seals testimony, unmasks hypocrisy, affirms faithful partnership, warns of irrevocable judgment, and frames apocalyptic vastness—all underscoring that the God who speaks once will, if necessary, speak twice to accomplish His unfailing purposes. Englishman's Concordance Mark 14:30 AdvGRK: πρὶν ἢ δὶς ἀλέκτορα φωνῆσαι NAS: crows twice, you yourself KJV: crow twice, thou shalt deny INT: before that twice [the] rooster crows Mark 14:72 Adv Luke 18:12 Adv Philippians 4:16 Adv 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Adv Jude 1:12 Adv Revelation 9:16 Adv |
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