from δίς and θάλασσα; having two seas, i.e. a sound with a double outlet:--where two seas meet.
Transliteration:dithálassos
Pronunciation:dee-thal'-as-sos
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διθάλασσος (dithálassos) `{{G1337}}` is a compound adjective derived from δίς (dis) `{{G1364}}`, meaning "twice" or "twofold," and θάλασσα (thalassa) `{{G2281}}`, meaning "sea." Literally, it signifies "having two seas." Its core meaning describes a geographical feature where two bodies of water converge or meet, often referring to a narrow strait, an isthmus, or a sound with a double outlet. This denotes a specific topographical characteristic where a landmass is flanked by water on two sides, creating a point of confluence or convergence for maritime currents.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διθάλασσος occurs only once in the New Testament, found in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 27:41]]: "But running aground on a place where two seas met, they ran the bow in and it stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the force of the waves."
This singular occurrence is found within the detailed narrative of Paul's shipwreck on his journey to Rome. The precise geographical description "a place where two seas met" (ἐν τόπῳ διθαλάσσῳ) is crucial for understanding the mechanics of the disaster. The ship, driven by a violent storm, was impaled upon a sandbank or shoal located at such a confluence. This specific topographical feature explains why the bow became immovably lodged while the stern, exposed to the full force of the waves, was rapidly destroyed. Luke's use of this highly specific and technically accurate maritime term underscores the historical verisimilitude of his account, providing a vivid and credible detail to the perilous situation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of διθάλασσος connect it to broader concepts:
* δίς (dis) `{{G1364}}`: This root for "twice" or "twofold" appears in other compound words, often indicating duality or repetition.
* θάλασσα (thalassa) `{{G2281}}`: "Sea" is a pervasive term in the New Testament, referring to the literal Mediterranean Sea, but also used metaphorically for vastness, chaos, or the Gentile world.
* **Maritime Terminology:** διθάλασσος belongs to a cluster of precise maritime and geographical terms used by Luke in Acts 27, such as λιμήν (limen) `{{G3040}}` "harbor," ἄγκυρα (ankyra) `{{G43}}` "anchor," ἀκτή (akte) `{{G206}}` "shore," and πρύμνα (prymnā) `{{G4403}}` "stern." These terms collectively paint a picture of the ancient seafaring world and demonstrate Luke's meticulous attention to detail as a historian.
* **Shipwreck Narratives:** While διθάλασσος is unique, its context relates to the broader theme of maritime peril and divine deliverance, a common trope in ancient literature that highlights human vulnerability before the forces of nature.
### Theological Significance
While διθάλασσος itself is a descriptive geographical term, its inclusion in the inspired text carries significant theological implications within the broader narrative of divine providence and scriptural veracity.
* **Divine Providence in Detail:** The very specific detail of the ship running aground "where two seas met" is not merely incidental. It highlights the meticulous nature of God's oversight, even in the midst of a catastrophic event. God's plan for Paul's safe arrival in Rome and his subsequent ministry on Malta was unfolding, and even the precise geographical location of the shipwreck was part of His sovereign arrangement. This detail subtly points to a God who orchestrates events with precision, even through natural phenomena and human peril.
* **Veracity and Reliability of Scripture:** Luke, as a careful historian and companion of Paul, records the events of the shipwreck with remarkable accuracy and detail. The use of a precise and technically correct term like διθάλασσος lends strong credence to the historical reliability of the book of Acts. Such specific details, verifiable by geographical and nautical knowledge of the ancient world, reinforce the trustworthiness of the biblical narrative as a factual account of God's work in history. This precision underscores that the biblical story is not an abstract theological treatise but an account rooted in real places, real people, and real events, demonstrating God's engagement with the created world.
### Summary
The Greek word διθάλασσος (dithálassos) `{{G1337}}`, meaning "where two seas meet," is a precise geographical term derived from δίς (twice) and θάλασσα (sea). Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Acts 27:41]] describes the perilous location where Paul's ship ran aground, providing a crucial detail for understanding the mechanics of the shipwreck. This singular, technically accurate usage by Luke underscores his meticulous historical reporting, contributing significantly to the verisimilitude and historical reliability of the book of Acts. Theologically, the presence of such a specific detail in the narrative of divine deliverance subtly points to the intricate nature of God's providence, demonstrating His sovereign control over even the specific environmental circumstances that shape the unfolding of His redemptive purposes.
TRV