from a compound of a derivative of δίς and a derivative of (to cut); to bisect, i.e. (by extension) to flog severely:--cut asunder (in sunder).
Transliteration:dichotoméō
Pronunciation:dee-khot-om-eh'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διχοτομέω (dichotoméō - `{{G1371}}`) is a compound term derived from δίς (dis - 'twice' or 'twofold') and a root related to τέμνω (temnō - 'to cut'). Etymologically, its core meaning is "to cut in two" or "to bisect." This denotes a precise and often forceful division into two distinct parts. The base definition provided also includes an extension of meaning: "to flog severely." This semantic range suggests that beyond literal bisection, the word can convey an intense, destructive action, perhaps implying a cutting *action* so severe it feels like being torn apart, or a definitive, painful separation. The King James Version's translation "cut asunder" or "cut in sunder" effectively captures this sense of violent, complete division and destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διχοτομέω (dichotoméō) appears exclusively in two parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels, both within parables that warn against unfaithfulness among servants:
* **[[Matthew 24:51]]**: "and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This verse is the climactic judgment pronounced upon the unfaithful servant in the parable. The phrase "cut him in two" (διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν) here is universally understood not as a literal physical bisection, but as a hyperbolic expression for an extremely harsh, definitive, and irreversible punishment. It signifies utter destruction, spiritual death, or eternal damnation, emphasizing a complete and final separation from the master's household and favor, placing the servant among "the hypocrites" in a place of torment.
* **[[Luke 12:46]]**: "the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unfaithful." Luke's parallel account presents the same severe judgment for the unfaithful steward who abuses his authority and neglects his duties. The identical phrasing reinforces the sudden, unexpected, and devastating nature of the master's judgment. In both contexts, διχοτομέω serves as a stark warning, highlighting the dire consequences of unfaithfulness and spiritual negligence for those entrusted with responsibility.
In both instances, the word conveys a sense of ultimate, decisive separation and destruction, underscoring the severity of divine judgment for those who betray their trust.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τέμνω (temnō)**: The underlying root verb for "to cut," which forms the basis of διχοτομέω. While τέμνω itself is not found in the New Testament, its derivatives are crucial for understanding the concept of cutting, dividing, or separating.
* **δίς (dis)**: The prefix indicating "twice" or "twofold," emphasizing the complete and decisive nature of the division implied by διχοτομέω.
* **ἀποτέμνω (apotemnō - `{{G610}}`)**: Meaning "to cut off," this verb appears in passages like [[John 18:10]] where Peter cuts off the ear of the high priest's servant. While ἀποτέμνω denotes removal or amputation, διχοτομέω suggests a more radical, total separation or destruction, a bisection rather than merely a severing of a part.
* **μερίζω (merizō - `{{G3307}}`)**: "To divide, separate." This word has a broader semantic range of division, often without the violent connotation of διχοτομέω. It can refer to dividing inheritances or separating groups.
* **χωρίζω (chōrizō - `{{G5563}}`)**: "To separate, to put asunder." This term is used for various forms of separation, such as husband and wife ([[Matthew 19:6]]) or believers from the love of Christ ([[Romans 8:39]]). While it denotes separation, it lacks the violent, destructive force implied by διχοτομέω.
* **Biblical Themes of Judgment**: The concept of ultimate judgment and separation is a pervasive theme in biblical eschatology, often depicted with vivid imagery of being "cut off," "cast out," or "destroyed." διχοτομέω aligns with these broader themes of divine justice and the dire consequences of unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological impact of διχοτομέω (dichotoméō) is profound, primarily serving as a stark portrayal of divine judgment:
1. **Severity and Finality of Judgment**: The graphic imagery of being "cut in two" powerfully conveys the extreme severity, suddenness, and irreversible nature of God's judgment against unfaithfulness. It signifies not a partial or temporary punishment but a complete and definitive separation from God's blessings and presence.
2. **Accountability of Stewards**: In its New Testament occurrences, διχοτομέω is applied specifically to servants or stewards who betray their trust and abuse their authority. This highlights the profound accountability expected from those entrusted with responsibilities within God's Kingdom. The judgment is particularly harsh for those who, having knowledge of their master's will, choose deliberate disobedience and wickedness.
3. **Eternal Consequences**: The consequence of being "cut in two" is explicitly linked to being assigned a "portion with the hypocrites/unfaithful" and experiencing "weeping and gnashing of teeth." This clearly points to eternal damnation, spiritual death, and complete exclusion from the Kingdom of God. It signifies an ultimate severance of relationship with God and consignment to a state of perpetual suffering.
4. **Divine Justice and Righteousness**: While the imagery is terrifying, it also underscores God's perfect justice. Unfaithfulness, especially that which involves harming others and dishonoring God, will not go unpunished. The judgment described is a righteous response to deliberate malice and persistent disobedience.
5. **Motivation for Faithfulness**: Ultimately, the stark warning embedded in διχοτομέω is intended to motivate believers to live faithfully, diligently, and righteously. It emphasizes the critical importance of being prepared for the Lord's return and living in a manner consistent with one's calling and trust.
### Summary
The Greek word διχοτομέω (dichotoméō - `{{G1371}}`), meaning "to cut in two" or "to bisect," is found exclusively in [[Matthew 24:51]] and [[Luke 12:46]]. In these contexts, within the parables of the faithful and unfaithful servant, it is used metaphorically to describe a sudden, severe, and utterly decisive divine judgment. This "cutting in two" is not literal bisection but symbolizes an irreversible separation from God's favor, leading to eternal destruction and consignment with the unfaithful or hypocrites, marked by "weeping and gnashing of teeth." The term highlights the extreme accountability for those entrusted with spiritual responsibility, serving as a solemn warning against unfaithfulness, hypocrisy, and spiritual negligence. It profoundly underscores the ultimate, eternal consequences of such actions, revealing God's righteous justice and impelling believers toward a life of vigilant faithfulness.