δεύτερος (deuteros)
deuteros
secondly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective deuteros simply means "second," marking something as next in a sequence of order, time, or rank. It appears frequently in the New Testament to describe physical sequences, such as the second son in a family line (Matthew 22:26) or the second compartment of the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:3). Its meaning is straightforward and structural, serving as the ordinal counterpart to "first."
When used in the neuter form, the word shifts into an adverbial sense, translating to "secondly" or "a second time." This usage often contrasts with a prior event, as seen when Jesus asks Peter a question for the second time (John 21:17) or when Paul lists spiritual gifts, placing apostles first and teachers second (1 Corinthians 12:28). In Revelation, it describes the "second death," indicating a final state that follows earthly life (Revelation 20:14).
The word carries significant weight in passages describing repetition or escalation. For instance, Mark records Peter denying Jesus three times, with the third denial following the second (Mark 14:72), highlighting a progression of events. Similarly, Hebrews notes that Christ died once for sins but will appear a second time (Hebrews 9:28), using the term to distinguish between two distinct phases of his mission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word deuteros marks a simple but meaningful shift in sequence. It tells us what comes next, whether that is a second son in a family line or a second chance to respond to God’s call. In Scripture, this order is not random; it often reveals how God structures our understanding of truth and grace.
Consider Jesus’ question to Peter in John 21:16. He asks for the second time if Peter loves Him. This repetition was not a sign of doubt but an invitation to deeper commitment. It shows that God meets us where we are, offering fresh opportunities to affirm our love and purpose.
Similarly, Paul lists spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12:28, placing prophets second after apostles. This order highlights the value of ongoing guidance within the church. By recognizing these sequences, we see that God’s plan unfolds with care, inviting us to trust His timing and embrace the roles He assigns.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- second20×
- a second time5×
- second time3×
- a second3×
- secondly2×
- second.2×
- [the] second time2×
- [The] second2×
- second [epistle]1×
- for a second1×
- afterward1×
- a second time;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεύτερος10×
- δεύτερον9×
- δευτέρου7×
- δευτέραν5×
- δευτέρᾳ3×
- δευτέρα3×
- δεύτερός1×
- δεύτερος.¶1×
- δεύτερον·1×
- δευτέρῳ·1×
- δευτέρῳ1×
- δευτέρου.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:16
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Jesus repeats his question to Peter, using the 'second' time to invite a deeper affirmation of love rather than merely correcting a failure.
-
Matthew 22:39
A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
Jesus identifies loving one’s neighbor as the second greatest commandment, linking it directly to the love of God as a foundational pair.