### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma διπλόω (diplóō) is a verb derived from the adjective διπλοῦς (diplous), meaning "two-fold" or "double." As a verb, διπλόω signifies the action of making something double, rendering it twice as much, or duplicating it. Its core meaning centers on multiplication by a factor of two, indicating an increase in quantity, intensity, or extent. The semantic range is quite narrow, primarily focusing on this concept of doubling. It does not typically imply mere repetition, but rather a significant augmentation or a two-fold return.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb διπλόω (diplóō) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Revelation:
* **[[Revelation 18:6]]**: "Render to her as she has rendered; and double to her double according to her works. In the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her."
In this solitary occurrence, διπλόω is used twice, both times in the imperative voice, commanding a two-fold retribution against "Babylon the Great." The context is eschatological judgment. The command "διπλώσατε αὐτῇ διπλᾶ" (diplōsate autē dipla) translates to "double to her double," emphasizing a severe and amplified recompense. This is not merely a tit-for-tat but a magnified punishment, reflecting the enormity of her sins and the suffering she inflicted upon the saints and prophets. The doubling here signifies a just and complete, even overflowing, measure of divine wrath, proportional to her arrogance and rebellion, and perhaps also indicating a measure of divine justice that exceeds human expectation or capacity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the adjective from which διπλόω (diplóō) is derived:
* **διπλοῦς (diplous)** `{{G1362}}`: This adjective means "two-fold," "double," or "double-minded." It appears in passages like [[Matthew 23:15]] (referring to making a proselyte "twice as much a son of hell"), [[1 Timothy 5:17]] (referring to elders worthy of "double honor"), and [[James 1:8]] / [[James 4:8]] (referring to a "double-minded" person). The verb διπλόω (diplóō) enacts the state described by the adjective διπλοῦς (diplous).
Other related concepts include:
* **Retribution and Recompense:** The use of διπλόω in [[Revelation 18:6]] strongly ties it to the concept of divine justice and the principle of *lex talionis*, though here it is amplified.
* **Multiplication/Increase:** While specifically "doubling," it falls under the broader category of increasing or multiplying, often with a sense of divine abundance or overflowing measure.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet potent, usage of διπλόω (diplóō) in [[Revelation 18:6]] carries significant theological weight. It underscores the absolute nature of God's justice and judgment. The command to "double" the retribution signifies:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** God's capacity to execute a judgment that far exceeds human retaliation or even expectation.
2. **Proportionality of Judgment:** While it is a doubling, it is still "according to her works," indicating that the amplified judgment is precisely calibrated to the depth of her iniquity and the extent of her persecution of God's people. It is not arbitrary but a just escalation.
3. **Severity of Sin:** The doubling of punishment highlights the extreme gravity of "Babylon's" spiritual fornication and persecution, portraying it as an offense that warrants a magnified divine response.
4. **Assurance for the Persecuted:** For the saints who suffered under "Babylon," this promise of doubled retribution serves as a profound assurance that their grievances will be fully and abundantly vindicated by God. It offers comfort and a glimpse into the ultimate triumph of divine righteousness over evil.
### Summary
The Greek verb διπλόω (diplóō), meaning "to double" or "to render two-fold," is derived from διπλοῦς (diplous) `{{G1362}}`. Its singular appearance in the New Testament in [[Revelation 18:6]] is profoundly impactful, commanding a two-fold retribution against "Babylon the Great." This command emphasizes the severity and completeness of divine judgment, signifying not merely an equal return but a magnified, just recompense for her pervasive wickedness and persecution of God's people. The theological significance of διπλόω thus lies in its powerful portrayal of God's sovereign, righteous, and ultimately victorious justice, assuring believers of the full and abundant vindication of their suffering.
TRV