1366. distomos
Lexicon
distomos: Double-edged, two-mouthed

Original Word: δίστομος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: distomos
Pronunciation: DEE-sto-mos
Phonetic Spelling: (dis'-tom-os)
Definition: Double-edged, two-mouthed
Meaning: (lit: twain-mouthed; hence: of a sword, as a drinker of blood), two-edged.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
with two edges, two-edged.

From dis and stoma; double-edged -- with two edges, two-edged.

see GREEK dis

see GREEK stoma

HELPS Word-studies

1366 dístomos – properly, two-mouthed (having two edges), like a "two-edged" sword with both sides of the blade sharpened to an edge; (figuratively) what penetrates at every point of contact, coming in or going out.

[A two-edged sword is an ideal defensive-offensive weapon and was known as "a drinker of blood" (Souter).]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from dis and stoma
Definition
double-mouthed, two-edged
NASB Translation
two-edged (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1366: δίστομος

δίστομος, δίστομον (δίς and στόμα), having a double mouth, as a river, Polybius 34, 10, 5; (ὁδοί i. e. branching, Sophocles O. C. 900). As στόμα is used of the edge of a sword and of other weapons, so δίστομος has the meaning two-edged: used of a sword in Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 2:12, and according to Schott in ; also Judges 3:16; Proverbs 5:4; Psalm 149:6: Sir. 21:3; ξίφος, Euripides, Hel. 983.

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: From the Greek words "δίς" (dis), meaning "twice" or "double," and "στόμα" (stoma), meaning "mouth."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δίστομος, the concept of a sharp, penetrating word is present in the Hebrew Scriptures. The closest corresponding ideas can be found in passages that describe the word of God as a sharp instrument, such as Isaiah 49:2, where the servant of the Lord is described as having a mouth like a sharp sword. The Hebrew word for "sword" in this context is חֶרֶב (chereb), Strong's Hebrew Number 2719, which can be metaphorically linked to the concept of a double-edged sword in the Greek New Testament.

Usage: The word δίστομος is used in the New Testament to describe the sharpness and penetrating nature of the Word of God, likening it to a double-edged sword.

Context: The Greek term δίστομος appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the power and effectiveness of the Word of God. It is notably used in Hebrews 4:12, which states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (BSB). This passage highlights the penetrating and discerning nature of God's Word, capable of reaching the innermost parts of a person's being.

The imagery of a double-edged sword conveys the idea of precision and the ability to cut in multiple directions, symbolizing the comprehensive and incisive power of divine truth. In the ancient world, a double-edged sword was a formidable weapon, effective in both offense and defense, which underscores the strength and authority of the Scriptures.

Additionally, the term is used in Revelation 1:16 and Revelation 2:12, where it describes the sword proceeding from the mouth of Christ, symbolizing His authoritative and judgmental word. In these contexts, the double-edged sword represents the power of Christ's spoken word to execute judgment and bring about justice.

Forms and Transliterations
δίστομοι διστομον δίστομον διστομος δίστομος διστόμου distomon dístomon distomos dístomos
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Hebrews 4:12 Adj-AFS
GRK: πᾶσαν μάχαιραν δίστομον καὶ διικνούμενος
NAS: than any two-edged sword, and piercing
KJV: than any twoedged sword, piercing
INT: any sword two-edged even penetrating

Revelation 1:16 Adj-NMS
GRK: αὐτοῦ ῥομφαία δίστομος ὀξεῖα ἐκπορευομένη
NAS: a sharp two-edged sword;
KJV: went a sharp twoedged sword: and
INT: of him a sword two-edged sharp going forth

Revelation 2:12 Adj-AFS
GRK: ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον τὴν ὀξεῖαν
NAS: the sharp two-edged sword
KJV: the sharp sword with two edges;
INT: sword two-edged sharp

Strong's Greek 1366
3 Occurrences


δίστομον — 2 Occ.
δίστομος — 1 Occ.















1365b
Top of Page
Top of Page