English · KJV
G1371

διχοτομέω

dichotoméō /dee-khot-om-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a compound of a derivative of δίς and a derivative of (to cut)
Meaningto bisect, i.e. (by extension) to flog severely
KJV usagecut asunder (in sunder).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of dichotoméō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word dichotoméō, represented by G1371, means to bisect. It is derived from a compound meaning to cut in two. By extension, it is used to mean flogging severely and is translated as "cut asunder" or "cut in sunder". It appears 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

This term is used in parallel accounts in Matthew and Luke to describe a severe punishment for an unfaithful servant. In these parables, a lord G2962 returns at an unexpected day G2250 and hour G5610 to find his servant G1401 unprepared and unfaithful Luke 12:46. The consequence is that the master will cut him asunder G1371 and appoint him his portion G3313 with those who are condemned (Matthew 24:51; Luke 12:46).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the context of this judgment:

  • G1401 doûlos (servant): Defined as a slave or bond-man, this term establishes the relationship of subjection and accountability between the one being punished and his master Luke 12:46.
  • G5273 hypokritḗs (hypocrite): This word describes an actor or dissembler. The unfaithful servant in Matthew has his portion appointed with the hypocrites, indicating his life was a performance rather than genuine service Matthew 24:51.
  • G571 ápistos (unbeliever): In Luke's account, the servant's portion is with the unbelievers, describing those who are disbelieving or untrustworthy Luke 12:46.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1371 is significant in understanding divine judgment.

  • Accountability for Service: The parables use the master-servant dynamic to illustrate that individuals are accountable to their Lord G2962 for their actions.
  • Severity of Judgment: The graphic description to cut asunder G1371 illustrates the extreme severity and finality of the punishment for unfaithfulness.
  • Consequence of Unfaithfulness: The punishment includes being given a portion G3313 with hypocrites G5273 or unbelievers G571, a state described as having weeping G2805 and gnashing G1030 of teeth Matthew 24:51. This points to an ultimate separation and shared fate with the condemned.

Summary

In summary, dichotoméō G1371 is a powerful term depicting a final and severe judgment. Its use in scripture is confined to parables warning of the unexpected return of the master G2962 and the dire consequences for the unfaithful servant G1401. This judgment is not merely a harsh punishment but a permanent assignment to a portion G3313 with hypocrites G5273 and the unbelievers G571.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Singular
One.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Future
Action yet to take place.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2962 κύριος from (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title):-- Go G2250 ἡμέρα feminine (with ὥρα implied) of a derivative of (to sit; akin to the base of ἑδραῖος) meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i. G5610 ὥρα apparently a primary word; an "hour" (literally or figuratively):--day, hour, instant, season, X short, (even-)tide, (hi G1401 δοῦλος from δέω; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjec G3313 μέρος from an obsolete but more primary form of (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figurat G5273 ὑποκριτής from ὑποκρίνομαι; an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), i.e. (figuratively) a dissembler ("hypocrite":--hy

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Matthew and Luke (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1
Matthew
1
Luke

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.