δίστομος
dístomos
G1366 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having two mouths or openings; by extension in context, double-edged or two-edged (especially of a sword or blade), referring to something with sharpness or function on both sides. In the New Testament, primarily denotes a sword with two cutting edges.
Semantic Range
having two mouths, two openings; double-edged (especially of a sword or blade); figurative: incisive, effective, penetrating
Root / Etymology
From δίς (twice, twofold) and στόμα (mouth, literal or figurative opening; edge, as of a weapon). The literal sense is 'two-mouthed,' but the idiomatic meaning refers to an implement, especially a sword or blade, sharpened on both sides.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In earlier Greek (classical and Hellenistic), δίστομος is attested with the literal sense of 'two-mouthed' (of animals or objects with two openings). By extension, it came to be used in reference to swords, knives, or other implements sharpened on both sides, i.e., double-edged. In the LXX and New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 4:12, Revelation 1:16, 2:12), it is applied metaphorically to the word of God or to a sharp sword, highlighting its capacity to cut or penetrate effectively. The metaphor is vivid in Greek but is typically rendered as 'two-edged' or 'double-edged' in English translations, sometimes losing the vivid literal imagery of 'two-mouthed.' The word is rare outside later Jewish and Christian literature where the symbolism of the double-edged sword is developed. Related Greek terms (e.g., ὀξύς for 'sharp') communicate sharpness but not the dual aspect. The metaphorical extension in the New Testament depends upon the strong image of a two-edged sword being especially effective and dangerous.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δίς and στόμα; double-edged:--with two edges, two-edged.
Root Family
στομ- (dístomos) — mouth, edge (of a blade), double
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1366-01 |
δίστομον | distomon | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
two-edged | two-mouthed | double-edged | 2 |
G1366-02 |
δίστομος | distomos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
two-edged | two-edged | two-edged | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1366-01 |
Hebrews 4:12 | δίστομον | distomon | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
two-edged | two-mouthed | two-mouthed |
G1366-02 |
Revelation 1:16 | δίστομος | distomos | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
two-edged | two-edged | two-edged |
G1366-01 |
Revelation 2:12 | δίστομον | distomon | ADJ.R ACC F SG |
two-edged | two-mouthed | double-edged |