### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb δίς (dis, `{{G1364}}`) is derived from the cardinal number δύο (duo, `{{G1417}}`), meaning "two." Its primary and most direct meaning is "twice," indicating a repetition or a second occurrence of an action or state. While its semantic range is relatively narrow, focused on numerical repetition, it can also convey the sense of "again" when referring to something done a second time. It functions to specify the frequency of an event or the multiplicity of a condition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δίς (dis) appears in the New Testament with various contextual implications:
* **Repetition of Action:**
* In [[Matthew 26:42]], Jesus prays in Gethsemane, "Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying..." The use of δίς here emphasizes the repeated, fervent nature of Jesus' prayer, underscoring His submission to the Father's will despite His agony.
* [[Mark 14:72]] records the cock crowing "a second time" (δίς) after Peter's third denial, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and profoundly impacting Peter's realization of his failure. This highlights the precision of prophecy and the gravity of Peter's lapse.
* In [[1 Thessalonians 2:18]], Paul states, "For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us." The phrase "again and again" (καὶ δίς καὶ τρίς, literally "both twice and thrice") emphasizes Paul's repeated and earnest desire to visit the Thessalonian believers, revealing his deep pastoral concern despite external opposition.
* **Numerical Count:**
* The Pharisee in [[Luke 18:12]] boasts, "I fast twice a week." Here, δίς (dis) functions as a simple numerical indicator, highlighting the Pharisee's self-righteous adherence to practices beyond the Mosaic Law's requirements, showcasing his performative piety.
* In [[Philippians 4:16]], Paul acknowledges the Philippians' generosity: "for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift to me more than once" (lit. "both once and twice"). This signifies their consistent and repeated support for Paul's ministry, demonstrating their faithful partnership in the gospel.
* **Intensification of State:**
* Perhaps the most profound usage is found in [[Jude 1:12]], where false teachers are described as "autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots." The phrase "twice dead" (δὶς ἀποθανόντα) is a powerful metaphor. It does not imply a literal second physical death, but rather an emphatic spiritual deadness. This could refer to:
1. Initial spiritual death (alienation from God) followed by a deeper, irreversible state of spiritual decay and apostasy.
2. A state of complete and utter barrenness, emphasizing that they are not merely dead, but emphatically and hopelessly dead, beyond any possibility of bearing fruit or revival. It serves as an intensification, underscoring their profound spiritual lifelessness and ultimate condemnation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δύο (duo, `{{G1417}}`):** The root word for "two," from which δίς (dis) is derived.
* **δεύτερος (deuteros, `{{G1208}}`):** The ordinal adjective "second," often used to denote sequence. While δίς (dis) indicates frequency ("twice"), δεύτερος (deuteros) indicates position in a series ("the second one").
* **πάλιν (palin, `{{G3825}}`):** Meaning "again" or "back again." This adverb often overlaps with δίς (dis) when δίς (dis) implies doing something "again" for a second time. However, πάλιν (palin) is more general for repetition, while δίς (dis) specifically denotes "twice."
* **Concepts:** Repetition, emphasis, numerical precision, spiritual barrenness, intensification of a condition.
### Theological Significance
While δίς (dis) is a simple numerical adverb, its contextual applications carry significant theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment:** In the account of Peter's denial, the "twice" crowing of the cock highlights the precise fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy, underscoring God's foreknowledge and sovereign control even over human weakness ([[Mark 14:72]]).
* **Human Perseverance and Divine Will:** Jesus' "twice" praying in Gethsemane illustrates His profound human struggle and His ultimate unwavering commitment to the Father's will, serving as a model of submission and perseverance in prayer ([[Matthew 26:42]]). Paul's repeated attempts to visit the Thessalonians, though hindered, demonstrate the earnestness of his pastoral heart and the reality of spiritual opposition ([[1 Thessalonians 2:18]]).
* **Critique of False Piety:** The Pharisee's boasting of fasting "twice" a week exposes the danger of external religious practices performed for self-aggrandizement rather than genuine devotion and humility before God ([[Luke 18:12]]).
* **Profound Spiritual Degeneration:** The most potent theological use is in [[Jude 1:12]], where "twice dead" describes false teachers. This powerful metaphor signifies a state of complete and irreversible spiritual barrenness, a profound alienation from God's life-giving grace, and an utter lack of redemptive fruit. It underscores the severity of their apostasy and the certainty of their judgment, serving as a stark warning against those who corrupt the truth.
### Summary
The Greek adverb δίς (dis, `{{G1364}}`) primarily means "twice" or "a second time," derived from the word for "two." While seemingly straightforward, its occurrences in the New Testament reveal a range of nuanced applications. It can denote simple numerical frequency, emphasize the repetition of an action (e.g., Jesus' prayer, Paul's attempts to visit), or highlight the precise fulfillment of prophecy (e.g., the cock crowing). Most significantly, in [[Jude 1:12]], "twice dead" serves as a powerful theological metaphor, describing a profound and irreversible state of spiritual lifelessness and barrenness among false teachers, underscoring their utter condemnation. Thus, a simple adverb of number is employed to convey deep spiritual truths concerning human nature, divine sovereignty, and the consequences of apostasy.
TRV