from δίς and στόμα; double-edged:--with two edges, two-edged.
Transliteration:dístomos
Pronunciation:dis'-tom-os
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective δίστομος (dístomos), transliterated as *dístomos*, is a compound word derived from δίς (*dis*), meaning "twice" or "double," and στόμα (*stoma*), meaning "mouth" or, in this context, "edge." Thus, its literal and primary meaning is "double-mouthed" or, more accurately when applied to a blade, "double-edged." This term denotes an object, specifically a sword, possessing two sharpened cutting edges, allowing it to cut effectively in two directions. The semantic range of δίστομος is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on this literal characteristic of a blade, but its metaphorical applications in the New Testament expand its conceptual significance to encompass power, penetration, and comprehensive efficacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δίστομος appears three times in the New Testament, consistently describing a sword and always in a highly symbolic context:
* **Hebrews 4:12**: "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword (μάχαιραν δίστομον), and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
* Here, δίστομος modifies μάχαιρα (machaira), a general term for a sword or dagger. The "two-edged" quality of the sword vividly illustrates the unparalleled power and penetrative ability of God's spoken word. It signifies that the divine word is not merely sharp but comprehensively incisive, able to cut deeply and discern every aspect of human existence—from the innermost spiritual and psychological dimensions to the most profound intentions of the heart. Its double edge suggests that it cuts both ways, revealing both sin and righteousness, judging and transforming.
* **Revelation 1:16**: "In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword (ῥομφαία δίστομος); and His face was like the sun shining in its strength."
* In this vision of the glorified Christ, δίστομος modifies ῥομφαία (rhomphaia), a term for a large, often formidable, sword or broadsword. The sword proceeding from Christ's mouth symbolizes His divine judgment, authoritative speech, and the power to execute justice. The "two-edged" nature underscores the absolute and inescapable efficacy of His pronouncements. It is a weapon of divine authority that can both strike down adversaries and defend His people.
* **Revelation 2:12**: "And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword (ῥομφαίαν τὴν δίστομον).'"
* Again, δίστομος modifies ῥομφαία. In this message to the church in Pergamum, Christ identifies Himself by this attribute. The "sharp two-edged sword" here represents Christ's unwavering authority to judge and discipline, particularly those within the church who compromise with false teaching and idolatry. It serves as a warning of impending judgment for those who do not repent, emphasizing the decisive and comprehensive nature of Christ's judicial power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The analysis of δίστομος is enriched by considering its components and the nouns it modifies:
* **δίς (dis)** `{{G1364}}`: The prefix "double" or "twice," which contributes the fundamental idea of duality or comprehensive effectiveness.
* **στόμα (stoma)** `{{G4750}}`: "Mouth," but in this compound, it refers to the cutting edge of a blade.
* **μάχαιρα (machaira)** `{{G3162}}`: A common Greek word for a short sword or dagger, used in [[Hebrews 4:12]] to describe the instrument by which God's Word penetrates.
* **ῥομφαία (rhomphaia)** `{{G4501}}`: A larger, often more formidable broadsword or saber, used in [[Revelation 1:16]] and [[Revelation 2:12]] to describe the sword of Christ's judgment. Its size and power complement the "two-edged" nature of δίστομος, emphasizing ultimate authority.
* **Concepts**: The word δίστομος is intrinsically linked to concepts such as divine judgment, discernment, authority, truth, power, penetration, and the ability to cut or divide with ultimate efficacy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δίστομος lies in its metaphorical application to the Word of God and the person of Christ, particularly in His judicial capacity.
* **The Word of God's Discernment**: In [[Hebrews 4:12]], the "two-edged" nature of God's Word underscores its unparalleled power to penetrate and discern every facet of human existence. It is not merely an external rule or a collection of propositions but an active, living force that reaches the deepest recesses of the human heart, exposing motives, intentions, and the very distinction between soul and spirit. This comprehensive cutting ability reveals both sin and righteousness, holding humanity accountable before a holy God.
* **Christ's Authority and Judgment**: In Revelation, the "two-edged sword" proceeding from Christ's mouth profoundly symbolizes His ultimate authority as judge and executor of divine will. As the living Word (cf. [[John 1:1]]), Christ's very pronouncements carry this double-edged power. It signifies that His judgment is absolute, comprehensive, and inescapable, capable of both condemning the unrepentant and protecting His faithful. It is a word of truth that exposes error and a word of wrath that executes justice, leaving no aspect of life untouched by His sovereign rule. The imagery evokes the definitive and decisive nature of divine pronouncements, which have immediate and profound consequences.
### Summary
The Greek word δίστομος (*dístomos*), meaning "double-edged," is used exclusively in the New Testament to describe a sword, serving as a powerful metaphor for the potent and penetrating nature of God's Word and the authoritative judgment of Christ. In [[Hebrews 4:12]], it highlights the comprehensive discernment and transformative power of God's living Word, capable of piercing to the innermost being. In [[Revelation 1:16]] and [[Revelation 2:12]], it symbolizes Christ's ultimate authority to judge and execute justice, emphasizing the inescapable and decisive efficacy of His divine pronouncements. The "two-edged" quality consistently underscores a comprehensive, incisive, and absolute power that cuts both ways, revealing truth and executing righteousness.
TRV