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δεύτερος

deúteros

G1208 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Orderly following in sequence; second in a series (temporal, spatial, logical, or ranking), indicating what comes next after the first. Can refer to time (the next instance or event), place (the next item or position), rank (the next in authority or importance), or occur as an adverb specifying a repeated or subsequent action or occurrence. In some contexts, denotes a second of similar kind, or the next stage in a succession.

Semantic Range

second (in sequence, time, place, rank), next in order, another of similar kind, subsequent (adverbially: again, a second time), next stage or instance

Root / Etymology

From the numerative root δευ- related to δύω ('two'), forming the ordinal counterpart to the cardinal number. δεύτερος is the ordinal form of δύο ('two'), representing the second in an ordered sequence.

Historical & Contextual Notes

δεύτερος is attested from the classical period (including Homer), consistently functioning as the ordinal for 'two.' In Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it retains this core meaning, most often signifying 'second' in both literal enumeration (e.g., second day, second time, second commandment) and metaphorical sequence (second importance, another of similar kind). It is used in temporal contexts (a subsequent event), spatial contexts (a next position), logical/rhetorical contexts (the second in an argument or listing), and with adverbial force (as in 'a second time,' meaning 'again'). In some New Testament or LXX passages, δεύτερος is closely associated with cultic, legal, or customary enumerations (e.g., 'second day,' 'second commandment'), reflecting both the Hellenistic Jewish use and broader Greco-Roman conventions. Standard English translations usually render it as 'second,' but adverbial uses ('again,' 'anew') and nuanced senses are sometimes simplified. There is no particular distinction in Greek between the ordinal's application to rank, time, or place; context determines nuance. Related ordinal forms (e.g., τρίτος for 'third') follow a similar pattern.

Translation Consistency

primary "second" 39 occurrences

deúteros is overwhelmingly an ordinal/adjectival term meaning ‘second’ or ‘next in sequence’ (time, place, rank, or instance). ‘Second’ is the most natural, precise, and frequent English rendering and covers the typical senses (ordinal, next in order, another of similar kind, a second time) better than alternatives like ‘next’ or ‘another.’

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

as the comparative of δύο; (ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb):--afterward, again, second(-arily, time).

Root Family

δεύτερος (deuteros) — second, following, subsequent

Root δευ- second, following, subsequent

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1208-06 δεύτερος deuteros ADJ.S NOM M SG second second one second one 12
G1208-07 δευτέρου deuterou ADJ.S GEN N SG second of a second of a second 8
G1208-02 δευτέραν deuteran DET ACC F SG second second second 6
G1208-05 δεύτερον deuteron DET ACC N SG second a second time second 6
G1208-01 δευτέρα deutera ADJ.S NOM F SG second second second 4
G1208-04 δευτέρῳ deutero ADJ.S DAT N SG second to the second one to the second one 2
G1208-03 δευτέρας deuteras ADJ.S GEN F SG second of a second of a second 1

Occurrences in Scripture

39 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1208-06 Matthew 22:26 δεύτερος deuteros ADJ.S NOM M SG second second one second one
G1208-01 Matthew 22:39 δευτέρα deutera ADJ.S NOM F SG second second second
G1208-07 Matthew 26:42 δευτέρου deuterou ADJ.S GEN N SG second of a second of a second
G1208-06 Mark 12:21 δεύτερος deuteros ADJ.S NOM M SG second second one second one
G1208-01 Mark 12:31 δευτέρα deutera ADJ.S NOM F SG second second second
G1208-07 Mark 14:72 δευτέρου deuterou ADJ.S GEN N SG time of a second of a second
G1208-01 Luke 12:38 δευτέρᾳ deutera ADJ.S DAT F SG second second second
G1208-06 Luke 19:18 δεύτερος deuteros ADJ.S NOM M SG second second one second one
G1208-06 Luke 20:30 δεύτερος deuteros ADJ.S NOM M SG second second one second
G1208-05 John 4:54 δεύτερον deuteron DET ACC N SG second a second time a second time
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