διπλόω (diploō)
diploō
to double
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diploō means to double something in quantity or extent. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 18:6, where it describes the judgment falling upon Babylon. The text commands that she be repaid "double" for her deeds, indicating a measure of retribution that matches or exceeds the severity of her actions.
This usage reflects the concept of double recompense found in ancient legal and poetic traditions. By employing this term, the author emphasizes the completeness and intensity of divine justice. The word does not imply arbitrary punishment but rather a proportional response to the city's pride and violence, serving as a stark illustration of the consequences of opposing God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diploō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 18:6. It describes a divine command to repay Babylon with double measure for her deeds. This is not about arbitrary cruelty but reflects an ancient understanding of justice where the punishment fits the crime. The imagery suggests that the consequences of pride and violence are severe because they were committed with such intensity.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God sees every action clearly. It offers comfort to those who have suffered injustice, assuring them that wrongs will not be ignored forever. At the same time, it serves as a sobering warning against living in opposition to God’s ways. The focus is on the reality of accountability.
While the judgment described is stark, it points to a world where truth prevails. You can trust that God’s justice is fair and complete. This understanding helps us rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He handles evil with precision and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do pay back double1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διπλώσατε1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse uses diploō to command a proportional repayment of judgment, emphasizing that the severity of Babylon's punishment matches her violent deeds.