ἀμφότερος (amphoteros)
amphoteros
both
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective amphoteros means "both" when referring to two distinct items or people. It replaces the older form amphō in later Greek, allowing for clearer reference to pairs rather than larger groups. In the New Testament, this word appears fifteen times, often highlighting a choice between two options or the inclusion of two parties.
Its usage is concrete and specific. For instance, Jesus uses it when discussing new wine and old wineskins, indicating that neither container alone suffices (Matthew 9:17). The term emphasizes the totality of the pair, ensuring that both elements are considered equally in the context.
The word derives from amphi, meaning "around" or "on both sides," suggesting a balanced inclusion. Translators typically render it simply as "both," capturing its straightforward function without adding theological nuance. Its presence in texts like Ephesians underscores the dual nature of certain relationships or doctrines, reinforcing the completeness of the two parts involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word amphoteros simply means "both," referring specifically to two distinct people or things. It reminds us that God often works in pairs, bringing two sides into harmony where there was once division. In Ephesians, Paul uses this term to describe how Christ breaks down the wall between Jews and Gentiles, making them one new family.
When Jesus spoke about new wine and fresh wineskins, He used this word to show that both elements must be preserved together for the plan to succeed. This concrete image helps us see that God cares for the completeness of relationships. Whether it is Zechariah and Elizabeth walking blamelessly before God, or Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch sharing in baptism, Scripture highlights the value of partnership.
This simple word invites you to look for unity in your own life. It encourages patience with differences, knowing that God can bring two separate paths into a single purpose. Instead of focusing on what divides us, we are reminded of the peace that comes when both sides are valued and reconciled through Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- both12×
- to both1×
- them all1×
- both.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀμφότεροι8×
- ἀμφότερα3×
- ἀμφότερα.¶1×
- ἀμφοτέρων1×
- ἀμφοτέρους1×
- ἀμφοτέροις1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 2:14
For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of separation,
This verse uses the word to declare that Christ has made two historically divided groups into a single new entity, defining the core of Christian unity.
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Matthew 9:17
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
Jesus employs this term to emphasize that both the new wine and the fresh wineskins must be kept together to ensure mutual preservation.
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Luke 1:6
They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.
The text applies this word to Zechariah and Elizabeth, highlighting their shared righteousness and joint standing before God despite their personal struggles.
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Acts 8:38
He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
Here the term describes Philip and the eunuch together entering the water, illustrating a shared moment of faith and obedience in baptism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does amphoteros mean in the New Testament?
How is amphoteros different from other Greek words for two?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 13:30Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel…
Matthew 15:14Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”