prolongation from δίς; double, i.e. twin; Didymus, a Christian:--Didymus.
Transliteration:Dídymos
Pronunciation:did'-oo-mos
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G1324 (Δίδυμος, *Dídymos*) is a proper noun, a transliteration of a common Greek name. Its etymological root lies in δίς (`{{G1364}}`), meaning "twice" or "double." Thus, the core meaning of Δίδυμος is "double" or, more specifically, "twin." As a personal name, it designates an individual who is a twin. In the New Testament, its usage is exclusively as an appellation for one of Jesus' twelve apostles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1324 (Δίδυμος) appears three times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Gospel of John, and always in conjunction with the apostle Thomas:
* [[John 11:16]]: "Therefore Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, 'Let us also go, that we may die with him.'" Here, Thomas, known by his Greek epithet "Didymus," displays a courageous, albeit somewhat fatalistic, loyalty to Jesus as they prepare to return to Judea, where Jesus' life was threatened.
* [[John 20:24]]: "Now Thomas, called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came." This verse sets the stage for the famous account of Thomas's doubt regarding Jesus' resurrection. His absence during the initial appearance to the disciples highlights his unique position and subsequent need for personal verification.
* [[John 21:2]]: "Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples were together." This final occurrence places Thomas Didymus among the seven disciples who encounter the resurrected Jesus by the Sea of Tiberias, underscoring his continued presence and role within the apostolic circle after the resurrection.
The consistent pairing of "Thomas, called Didymus" (Θωμᾶς ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος) in John's Gospel is significant. "Thomas" (`{{G2381}}`) is an Aramaic name (from Te'oma) also meaning "twin." This dual naming convention likely served to clarify the identity of this particular apostle for a Hellenistic audience, providing both his Semitic and Greek names, both conveying the same meaning. It emphasizes his identity as a twin, though Scripture offers no details about his actual twin.
### Related Words & Concepts
* δίς (`{{G1364}}`): The Greek adverb from which Δίδυμος is derived, meaning "twice" or "two times." This root firmly establishes the "double" or "twin" meaning.
* Θωμᾶς (`{{G2381}}`): The Aramaic equivalent of Δίδυμος, also meaning "twin." The consistent use of both names together in John's Gospel highlights the bilingual and multicultural context of the early Christian community and the careful identification of this specific apostle.
* Concepts of Duality/Twinship: While the name itself signifies twinship, the biblical narrative does not elaborate on Thomas having an actual twin or if this designation carried any symbolic weight beyond identification. His character is not portrayed with any particular "duality" in his actions or beliefs beyond his initial doubt and subsequent profound faith.
### Theological Significance
While the word G1324 (Δίδυμος) itself is primarily a descriptive proper noun, the figure of "Thomas Didymus" holds immense theological significance. His narrative in John's Gospel is pivotal for understanding the nature of faith, doubt, and the reality of the resurrection.
1. **Faith and Doubt:** Thomas's initial refusal to believe in the resurrection without empirical proof ("Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe," [[John 20:25]]) makes him an archetype of the honest doubter. His subsequent encounter with the resurrected Christ and his confession ("My Lord and my God!" [[John 20:28]]) represents a profound journey from skepticism to unwavering faith.
2. **Confession of Christ's Divinity:** Thomas's declaration, "My Lord and my God!" is one of the most explicit and powerful affirmations of Jesus' divine nature in the New Testament. It stands as a theological cornerstone, testifying to the early church's understanding of Jesus as truly God.
3. **Blessedness of Belief without Seeing:** Jesus' response to Thomas, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" [[John 20:29]], extends the scope of faith beyond eyewitness accounts. This pronouncement offers comfort and validation to all future generations of believers who accept the truth of the resurrection without direct physical evidence.
4. **Apostolic Witness:** As "Thomas, called Didymus," he is firmly established as one of the twelve apostles, a foundational witness to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, despite his momentary doubt. His story reinforces the authenticity of the apostolic testimony, acknowledging human frailty even among those closest to Christ.
### Summary
G1324 (Δίδυμος, *Dídymos*) is a Greek proper noun meaning "twin," derived from δίς (`{{G1364}}`). In the New Testament, it exclusively identifies the apostle Thomas, often paired with his Aramaic name, "Thomas" (`{{G2381}}`), both meaning "twin." While the name itself is descriptive, the biblical figure of Thomas Didymus is of profound theological importance. His journey from requiring tangible proof of the resurrection to his climactic confession, "My Lord and my God!" ([[John 20:28]]), provides a powerful narrative on the nature of faith, the overcoming of doubt, and the explicit affirmation of Jesus' divine identity. His story serves as an enduring testament to the transformative power of the resurrected Christ and the blessedness of belief for those who have not seen.
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