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δύο

dýo

G1417 determiner

SILEX Entry

Root δύο- two, pair, double, divide

Definition

The cardinal number 'two,' denoting a pair, set, or group of two individuals or objects. Used to indicate duality, opposition, comparison, succession, division into two parts, or action involving two entities. The sense is fundamentally numerical but often expands to express concepts related to pairs, counterparts, or doubling in various idiomatic or figurative contexts.

Semantic Range

two (as cardinal number), a pair or duo, two persons or things together, division into two, counterparts, both (rarely, by extension)

Root / Etymology

From the Proto-Indo-European root *dwóh₁. The Greek δύο is cognate with Latin duo (two), Sanskrit dvau, Old English twā (two), and other Indo-European forms. The word is a primary numeral, not derived from a simpler Greek word.

Historical & Contextual Notes

δύο is the standard Greek cardinal number for 'two' attested since Mycenaean Greek (Linear B: du-wo). In classical and Koine Greek, it functions exclusively as a number, used for counting or numbering, but also in set expressions, such as indicating pairs (e.g., eyes, hands), or division into two parts (such as two factions or two ways). In the Septuagint and New Testament, δύο is used in enumeration, for contrasting or comparing two persons or things, or in legal and narrative formulae (e.g., 'two witnesses'). Unlike English, which may sometimes use 'both' for emphasis, ancient Greek often employs the dual form for paired entities, though the dual number becomes less common in Koine. English Bible translations consistently render δύο as 'two,' and do not typically obscure the semantic range, but underlying Hebrew or Aramaic may sometimes have additional nuance (e.g., expressions signifying unity or contrast between two parties). There is no significant development or shift in meaning from classical through Koine usage; if anything, the loss of the dual gives δύο a broader or more generalized application. Distinct from related ordinals (δεύτερος, 'second').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary numeral; "two":--both, twain, two.

Root Family

δύο (dyo) — two, pair, double, divide

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1417-01 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two two 127
G1417-03 δυσὶν dusin DET DAT F PL two to two 6
G1417-02 δυσὶ dusi DET DAT M PL two to two 3

Occurrences in Scripture

136 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1417-01 Matthew 4:18 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 4:21 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 5:41 δύο duo ADJ.S ACC N PL two
G1417-02 Matthew 6:24 δυσὶ dusi DET DAT M PL to two
G1417-01 Matthew 8:28 δύο duo ADJ.S NOM M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 9:27 δύο duo DET NOM M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 10:10 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 10:29 δύο duo DET NOM N PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 14:17 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two
G1417-01 Matthew 14:19 δύο duo DET ACC M PL two
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