Διόσκουροι
Dióskouroi
G1359 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Διόσκουροι refers primarily to the twin sons of Zeus (Zeus’ boys, i.e., Castor and Pollux), known in Greco-Roman mythology as the Dioscuri. In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, the term denotes the mythological figures associated with naval protection and brotherly devotion. As a plural proper noun, it designates these two legendary figures specifically, but by extension, can be used more generally of heroic pairs or as a titular name for ships under their patronage.
Semantic Range
the twin sons of Zeus (Castor and Pollux); symbolic protectors of sailors; titular designation for ships; emblematic figures in Greco-Roman religious practice
Root / Etymology
From Διός (genitive form of Ζεύς, Zeus) and κοῦρος (boy, youth, son), literally 'sons of Zeus.' The form is a compound: Διός (of Zeus) + κοῦροι (boys/sons). Related to the root of κοράσιον (girl, maiden), but here with the masculine boys/youths. The etymology is transparent and classical.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Διόσκουροι appears in classical Greek sources as the established name for Castor and Pollux, twins of mythic origin worshipped across the Greek and Roman world, especially as protectors of sailors. Their cult spread widely from ancient Sparta and throughout the Mediterranean. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, their iconography and names appear frequently on ships and monuments, sometimes indicating divine patronage or dedication. In Acts 28:11 the term Διόσκουροι is used as the name of an Alexandrian ship bearing their image as a figurehead; here, the term signals both the mythological association and a specific physical marker of ancient maritime culture. English translations often simply transliterate or use 'Castor and Pollux,' but the Greek term carries the sense of divine twinship and maritime protection more strongly than such translations convey. The word is not used of human twins, but exclusively of these mythic figures or symbolic representations thereof.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the alternate of Ζεύς and a form of the base of κοράσιον; sons of Jupiter, i.e. the twins Dioscuri:--Castor and Pollux.
Root Family
Διόσκουροι (Dióskouroi) — sons of Zeus, divine twins
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1359-01 |
Διοσκούροις | dioskourois | N DAT M PL |
Castor and Pollux | to the sons of Zeus | Dioscuri | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1359-01 |
Acts 28:11 | Διοσκούροις | dioskourois | N DAT M PL |
Castor and Pollux | to the sons of Zeus | Dioscuri |