διπλοῦς (diplous)
diplous
double
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word diplous means double or twofold. It appears only three times in the New Testament, making it a rare term with specific contextual weight. In Matthew 23:15, Jesus uses the related form diploteron to describe the Pharisees who travel across land and sea to make one convert, only to make them "twofold more" a child of hell than themselves. This usage highlights a multiplication of guilt or spiritual state rather than a simple physical doubling.
In Revelation 18:6, the word appears in a command to repay Babylon double for her deeds. Here, diplous signifies a corresponding measure of judgment that matches the intensity of the sin. The term connects conceptually with the Hebrew idea of recompense, where the punishment fits the crime in both scope and severity.
The adjective is formed from elements suggesting folding or doubling, reflecting its literal meaning. Translators consistently render it as "double" to preserve this sense of multiplied intensity. Its scarcity in Scripture ensures that each occurrence carries significant rhetorical force, emphasizing a clear and measurable increase in either spiritual condition or divine retribution.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diplous reminds us that actions carry weight beyond their immediate appearance. When Jesus spoke of those who lead others astray, He warned that such influence multiplies spiritual harm. This is not a casual observation but a solemn truth about the responsibility we hold when guiding others in faith.
Yet this same concept also appears as a blessing. In Timothy, believers are encouraged to give double honor to leaders who serve faithfully. Here, doubling reflects gratitude and recognition for hard work, showing that God values those who pour themselves into teaching and care for the community.
Whether in warning or in praise, diplous calls us to consider the depth of our impact. It invites reflection on how our words and actions shape others, urging us toward integrity and generosity in all relationships.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- twofold more1×
- twofold1×
- of double1×
- double.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διπλῆς1×
- διπλᾶ1×
- διπλότερον1×
- διπλοῦν.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:15
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of Gehenna as yourselves.
Jesus uses a related form to warn that leading others into error multiplies spiritual danger, making the deceiver more culpable than the deceived.
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I Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.
Paul instructs the church to give double honor to elders who labor in teaching, linking material support with respect for spiritual authority.
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Revelation of John 18:6
Return to her just as she returned, and repay her double as she did, and according to her works. In the cup which she mixed, mix to her double.
The command to repay Babylon double signifies a judgment that corresponds precisely to the intensity of her sins and pride.