Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "double" in the Bible often signifies a measure of abundance, recompense, or judgment. It appears in various contexts, ranging from blessings and rewards to punishment and restitution. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures.Double Portion One of the most notable uses of "double" is in the context of inheritance and blessing. The "double portion" is a term that refers to the inheritance given to the firstborn son, as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17: "But he must acknowledge the son of the unloved wife as the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for that son is the first sign of his strength; the right of the firstborn belongs to him." This concept is further illustrated in the account of Elisha, who requested a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit (2 Kings 2:9), symbolizing a desire for a greater measure of spiritual power and responsibility. Double for Trouble The theme of receiving "double" for one's troubles or sins is also prevalent. In Isaiah 61:7, the prophet speaks of a future time of restoration for Israel: "Instead of your shame, you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace, you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours." This promise of a double blessing serves as a message of hope and redemption. Conversely, the concept of "double" is used in the context of divine judgment. Revelation 18:6 speaks of Babylon's punishment: "Give back to her as she has done; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion in her own cup." Here, "double" signifies the severity and completeness of God's judgment against sin and rebellion. Double-Mindedness In the New Testament, "double" is used metaphorically to describe a state of divided loyalty or inconsistency. James 1:8 warns against being "a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." This term highlights the importance of faith and single-minded devotion to God, contrasting with a wavering or indecisive heart. Double Honor The Apostle Paul uses the term "double" in the context of honor and respect within the church. In 1 Timothy 5:17, he writes, "The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." This indicates a recognition of the significant responsibility and labor involved in church leadership, deserving of both respect and material support. Double Edged Sword The imagery of a "double-edged sword" is used in Hebrews 4:12 to describe the Word of God: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This metaphor emphasizes the penetrating and discerning power of Scripture, capable of reaching the deepest parts of human existence. In summary, the concept of "double" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, from blessing and inheritance to judgment and discernment. It serves as a powerful symbol of God's justice, generosity, and the profound impact of His Word. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Twofold; multiplied by two; increased by its equivalent; made twice as large or as much, etc.2. (a.) Being in pairs; presenting two of a kind, or two in a set together; coupled. 3. (a.) Divided into two; acting two parts, one openly and the other secretly; equivocal; deceitful; insincere. 4. (a.) Having the petals in a flower considerably increased beyond the natural number, usually as the result of cultivation and the expense of the stamens, or stamens and pistils. The white water lily and some other plants have their blossoms naturally double. 5. (adv.) Twice; doubly. 6. (v.) To increase by adding an equal number, quantity, length, value, or the like; multiply by two; to double a sum of money; to double a number, or length. 7. (v.) To make of two thicknesses or folds by turning or bending together in the middle; to fold one part upon another part of; as, to double the leaf of a book, and the like; to clinch, as the fist; -- often followed by up; as, to double up a sheet of paper or cloth. 8. (v.) To be the double of; to exceed by twofold; to contain or be worth twice as much as. 9. (v.) To pass around or by; to march or sail round, so as to reverse the direction of motion. 10. (v.) To unite, as ranks or files, so as to form one from each two. 11. (v. i.) To be increased to twice the sum, number, quantity, length, or value; to increase or grow to twice as much. 12. (v. i.) To return upon one's track; to turn and go back over the same ground, or in an opposite direction. 13. (v. i.) To play tricks; to use sleights; to play false. 14. (v. i.) To set up a word or words a second time by mistake; to make a doublet. 15. (n.) Twice as much; twice the number, sum, quantity, length, value, and the like. 16. (n.) Among compositors, a doublet (see Doublet, 2.); among pressmen, a sheet that is twice pulled, and blurred. 17. (n.) That which is doubled over or together; a doubling; a plait; a fold. 18. (n.) A turn or circuit in running to escape pursues; hence, a trick; a shift; an artifice. 19. (n.) Something precisely equal or counterpart to another; a counterpart. Hence, a wraith. 20. (n.) A player or singer who prepares to take the part of another player in his absence; a substitute. 21. (n.) Double beer; strong beer. 22. (n.) A feast in which the antiphon is doubled, hat is, said twice, before and after the Psalms, instead of only half being said, as in simple feasts. 23. (n.) A game between two pairs of players; as, a first prize for doubles. 24. (n.) An old term for a variation, as in Bach's Suites. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DOUBLEdub'-'-l (shanah, "to repeat," as in counting; kaphal, "to fold over," or "double," as a cloth): A word used quite frequently in the Old Testament. Jacob ordered his sons to take double money in their hands, i.e. twice the necessary amount (Genesis 43:12, 15). If a thief be caught with a living animal he was to restore double (Exodus 22:4); if property be stolen out of the house of one to whom it is entrusted he was to restore double (Exodus 22:7, 9). The firstborn was to receive a double portion of the inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17). Likewise also by a beautiful symbol Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit to fall upon him (2 Kings 2:9). Degrees of punishment or sufferings were also expressed by the idea of a doubling (Isaiah 61:7 Jeremiah 16:18; Jeremiah 17:18 Zechariah 9:12). Greek 1351. dilogos -- given to repetition, double-tongued ... given to repetition, double-tongued. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: dilogos Phonetic Spelling: (dil'-og-os) Short Definition: double-tongued ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1351.htm - 7k 1363. diploo -- to double 1362. diplous -- twofold, double 1323. didrachmon -- a double drachma 1366. distomos -- double-mouthed, two-edged 1374. dipsuchos -- of two minds, wavering 4794. sugkupto -- to bend forwards, bow down 1365. distazo -- twenty thousand 573. haplous -- simple, single 3364. ou me -- anymore, at all, neither, never Strong's Hebrew 3717. kaphal -- to double, double over... 3716b, 3717. kaphal. 3718 . to double, double over. Transliteration: kaphal Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-fal') Short Definition: double. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/3717.htm - 6k 4932. mishneh -- a double, copy, second 3718. kephel -- the double 8382. taam -- to be double 7436. Ramathayim Tsophim -- "double height of watchers," a city in ... 6255. Ashteroth Qarnayim -- "Ashtaroth of the double horns," a ... 1453. Gederothayim -- "double wall," a place in Judah 4850. Merathayim -- perhaps "double rebellion," another name for ... 8147. shenayim -- two (a cardinal number) 5588. seeph -- divided, halfhearted Library A Double Wrestling Match. There is a Double Rule for Understanding the Scriptural Modes of ... Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the ... Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the ... Of the Double Sense in which Holy Scripture May be Taken. That from Henceforth, no Double Monastery Shall be Erected; and ... Double Dealing of the Sanhedrim. The Double Altar, Widows and virgins; Gold the Symbol of virginity ... Of the Double Heaven, --The visible, and the Heaven of Heavens. Autumn. Double. Thesaurus Double (49 Occurrences)... pistils. The white water lily and some other plants have their blossoms naturally double. 5. (adv.) Twice; doubly. 6. (v.) To increase ... /d/double.htm - 26k Double-minded (4 Occurrences) Double-boarded (1 Occurrence) Double-edged (6 Occurrences) Double-tongued (1 Occurrence) Accommodation (1 Occurrence) Machpelah (6 Occurrences) Bridle (12 Occurrences) Fold (23 Occurrences) Four-square (7 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to have a double tongue? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to receive a double portion? | GotQuestions.org What is the principle of double effect? | GotQuestions.org Double: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Double (49 Occurrences)Luke 13:11 2 Corinthians 1:15 1 Timothy 5:17 James 1:8 James 4:8 Revelation 18:6 Genesis 41:32 Genesis 43:12 Genesis 43:15 Exodus 16:5 Exodus 22:2 Exodus 22:4 Exodus 22:7 Exodus 22:9 Exodus 26:9 Exodus 26:24 Exodus 28:16 Exodus 36:29 Exodus 39:9 Leviticus 11:35 Deuteronomy 14:6 Deuteronomy 15:18 Deuteronomy 21:17 Judges 5:30 1 Samuel 1:5 1 Samuel 23:7 2 Kings 2:9 1 Chronicles 12:33 Job 11:6 Job 41:13 Job 42:10 Psalms 12:2 Psalms 119:113 Proverbs 5:4 Proverbs 28:6 Proverbs 28:18 Isaiah 40:2 Isaiah 41:15 Isaiah 61:7 Jeremiah 16:18 Jeremiah 17:18 Jeremiah 50:21 Ezekiel 27:5 Ezekiel 27:25 Ezekiel 40:43 Ezekiel 41:23 Ezekiel 47:9 Hosea 10:10 Zechariah 9:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
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