1371. dichotomeó

Lexicon

dichotomeó: To cut in two, to divide

Original Word: διχοτομέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: dichotomeó
Pronunciation: dee-khot-om-eh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-khot-om-eh'-o)
Definition: To cut in two, to divide
Meaning: I cut in two, perhaps: scourge severely.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cut, flog.

From a compound of a derivative of dis and a derivative of temno (to cut); to bisect, i.e. (by extension) to flog severely -- cut asunder (in sunder).

see GREEK dis

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as dichazó and temnó (to cut)
Definition
to cut in two, cut asunder
NASB Translation
cut...in pieces (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1371: διχοτομέω

διχοτομέω, διχοτόμω: future διχοτομήσω; (διχότομος cutting in two); to cut into two parts (Exodus 29:17): Matthew 24:51; Luke 12:46 — in these passages many suppose reference to be made to that most cruel mode of punishment, in use among the Hebrews (1 Samuel 15:33) and other ancient nations (see Winers RWB under the word Lebensstrafen; (B. D. under the word , III. b. 3; especially Wetstein on Matthew, the passage cited)), by which criminals and captives were cut in two. But in the text the words which follow, and which imply that the one thus 'cut asunder' is still surviving, oppose this interpretation; so that here the word is more fitly translated cut up by scourging, scourge severely, (but see Meyer on Matthew, the passage cited). (Occasionally in Greek writings from Plato down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek words δίχα (dicha), meaning "in two" or "apart," and τέμνω (temnō), meaning "to cut."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for διχοτομέω, the concept of division or cutting can be related to Hebrew terms such as כָּרַת (karath, Strong's H3772), which means "to cut off" or "to cut down," often used in the context of making covenants or enacting judgment.

Usage: The term διχοτομέω is used in the New Testament to describe a severe form of punishment or judgment, often metaphorically indicating a decisive and harsh separation or division.

Context: The Greek verb διχοτομέω appears in the New Testament in contexts that convey a strong sense of judgment and division. It is used in the parables of Jesus to illustrate the fate of the unfaithful or hypocritical servant. The term is found in Matthew 24:51 and Luke 12:46, where it describes the severe punishment awaiting those who fail in their duties or live in hypocrisy.

In Matthew 24:51 (BSB), Jesus warns, "He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This vivid imagery underscores the seriousness of the servant's failure and the resulting judgment. The use of διχοτομέω here emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the punishment.

Similarly, in Luke 12:46 (BSB), the unfaithful servant is said to be "cut in two" and assigned a place with the unbelievers. This serves as a stark warning about the consequences of unfaithfulness and the importance of vigilance and readiness for the Master's return.

The metaphorical use of διχοτομέω in these passages highlights the theme of divine judgment and the ultimate separation between the faithful and the unfaithful. It serves as a call to live righteously and to be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Forms and Transliterations

διχοτόμημα διχοτομήματα διχοτομημάτων διχοτομησει διχοτομήσει διχοτομήσεις δίψα δίψαν δίψη δίψης dichotomesei dichotomēsei dichotomḗsei

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 24:51 V-FIA-3S
GRK: καὶ διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν καὶ
NAS: and will cut him in pieces and assign
KJV: shall cut him asunder, and appoint
INT: and will cut in pieces him and

Luke 12:46 V-FIA-3S
GRK: γινώσκει καὶ διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν καὶ
NAS: he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and assign
KJV: him in sunder, and
INT: he knows and will cut in two him and

Strong's Greek 1371
2 Occurrences

διχοτομήσει — 2 Occ.