Lexical Summary duo: Two Original Word: δύο Strong's Exhaustive Concordance both, twain, two. A primary numeral; "two" -- both, twain, two. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina primary number Definition two NASB Translation both (1), forty-two* (2), pairs (2), twenty (1), two (124), two men (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1417: δύοδύο, genitive indeclinable δύο (as in Epic, and occasionally in Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Polybius, others for δυοιν, more common in Attic (see Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 289f)); dative δυσί, δυσίν (δυσί in Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13; Acts 21:33 (Tr δυσίν), δυσίν in Matthew 22:40; Mark 16:12; Luke 12:52 (R G δυσί; Acts 12:6 (R G L δυσί); Hebrews 10:28; Revelation 11:3 (R G δυσί); cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 98; WHs Appendix, p. 147) — a form not found in the older and better writings, met with in Hippocrates, Aristotle, Theophrastus, frequent from Polybius on, for the Attic δυοιν); accusative δύο (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 210; Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. i., p. 276f; Winers Grammar, § 9, 2 b.; Passow, i., p. 729); two: absolutely, οὐκ ἔτι εἰσί δύο, ἀλλά σάρξ μία, Matthew 19:6; Mark 10:8; δύο ἤ τρεῖς, Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 14:29; τρεῖς ἐπί δυσί καί δύο ἐπί τρισί, Luke 12:52; ἀνά and κατά δύο, two by two (Winers Grammar, 398 (372); 401 (374); Buttmann, 30 (26)), Luke 9:3 (WH omits; Tr brackets ἀνά); Topical Lexicon Literal Enumeration in Daily Life The term is regularly employed as an ordinary numeral. It tallies fishing boats (Luke 5:2), sparrows (Matthew 10:29), denarii (Luke 10:35), copper coins (Mark 12:42), fish and loaves (Matthew 14:17; John 6:9), stone water jars (John 2:6) and prisoners’ chains (Acts 12:6). Its frequency in mundane contexts testifies to the Gospel writers’ historical precision, while preparing the reader for richer theological layers bound to the number. Witness and Legal Confirmation “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (Matthew 18:16; quotation of Deuteronomy 19:15). The pattern stands behind: The repetition underscores God’s justice: truth is verified, not assumed. Companionship in Mission Jesus “sent them two by two ahead of Him.” (Luke 10:1). The Twelve are likewise paired (Mark 6:7). Advantages emerge: encouragement, accountability, shared gifts, and an instant legal quorum when testifying. Acts continues the pattern: Peter and John (Acts 3:1), Paul and Silas (Acts 15:40), Barnabas and Mark (Acts 15:39). Authentic ministry flourishes in godly partnership. Marriage and Covenant Unity “ ‘The two will become one flesh.’ ” (Mark 10:8 citing Genesis 2:24). Marriage illustrates covenant faithfulness and prefigures Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). The union of two into one safeguards the doctrine that God’s design for family is male and female fused in lifelong fidelity. Jew and Gentile Reconciled “He made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14-15). Through the cross, previously estranged peoples form a single new humanity. The numeral here conveys the miracle of unity without erasing personal distinction—an evangelistic apologetic to a fragmented world. Service and Allegiance “No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). The saying confronts divided loyalty, pressing hearers toward wholehearted devotion to God over wealth. The pairing exposes the impossibility of spiritual neutrality. Contrast, Choice, and Division Parables pivot on two alternatives: Scripture frames decisive moments as binary, urging readers toward wise and faithful responses. Redemption at the Cross “Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on His right and one on His left.” (Matthew 27:38). The scene models salvation and condemnation side-by-side: one criminal mocks, the other believes (Luke 23:39-43). Humanity’s ultimate choice is embodied in the pair. Revelation’s End-Time Witness “I will empower My two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days.” (Revelation 11:3). The number grounds their testimony in Mosaic legality while recalling Elijah and Moses, representatives of prophetic and legal revelation. Their career confirms God’s unbroken witness even during tribulation. Apocalyptic Pairs and Antitheses Revelation multiplies dualities: two woes remaining (9:12), a beast with two horns (13:11), the lake of fire seizing the beast and false prophet (19:20). Such couplings dramatize the final clash between truth and deceit. Representative Gospel Snapshots • Two demoniacs liberated in Gadara (Matthew 8:28). Each episode reinforces that testimony is sufficient and complete. Pastoral Caution and Comfort Hebrews anchors hope in “two unchangeable things” (Hebrews 6:18)—God’s promise and oath—so that believers “may have strong encouragement.” Assurance rests not on human strength but on the immutable character of the Lord. Conclusion Throughout the New Testament the numeral 1417 transcends arithmetic. It signals verified truth, covenant unity, decisive choice, missionary practice, and eschatological certainty. Every occurrence, whether counting coins or heralding cosmic judgment, harmonizes with the biblical theme that in the mouth of two witnesses every word stands confirmed—and God has left Himself not without witness. Forms and Transliterations δυείν δυο δυό δύο δυσι δυσί δυσὶ δυσιν δυσίν δυσὶν τρεῖς duo dusi dusin dyo dýo dysi dysí dysì dysin dysín dysìn treis treîsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:18 AdjGRK: Γαλιλαίας εἶδεν δύο ἀδελφούς Σίμωνα NAS: of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon KJV: of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon INT: of Galilee he saw two brothers Simon Matthew 4:21 Adj Matthew 5:41 Adj Matthew 6:24 Adj-DMP Matthew 8:28 Adj Matthew 9:27 Adj Matthew 10:10 Adj Matthew 10:29 Adj Matthew 14:17 Adj Matthew 14:19 Adj Matthew 18:8 Adj Matthew 18:8 Adj Matthew 18:9 Adj Matthew 18:16 Adj Matthew 18:16 Adj Matthew 18:19 Adj Matthew 18:20 Adj Matthew 19:5 Adj Matthew 19:6 Adj Matthew 20:21 Adj Matthew 20:24 Adj Matthew 20:30 Adj Matthew 21:1 Adj Matthew 21:28 Adj Matthew 21:31 Adj Strong's Greek 1417 |
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