Understanding δίς (dis) Strong’s G1364: The Biblical Concept of “Twice” That Reveals Divine Timing and Prophecy

Pronunciation Guide: dees (with a long “e” sound)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1364: The Greek adverb δίς (dis) simply means “twice” or “two times.” It denotes the repetition of an action, event, or state exactly two times. In Scripture, this word often carries significance beyond mere numerical counting, frequently highlighting divine emphasis, confirmation, or the establishment of prophetic certainty.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adverb
• Root: From the base of δύο (duo, G1417), meaning “two”
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative passages, especially in prophetic declarations and testimonies
• Frequency: Occurs 6 times in the New Testament

δίς Morphology:

• δίς – adverbial form only (indeclinable)

Origin & History

The word δίς derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *dwi-, which gave rise to the Greek numeral δύο (duo) meaning “two.” This same root appears in many Indo-European languages, including Latin “bis” (twice) and English prefixes like “di-” and “bi-.”

In classical Greek literature, δίς was commonly used for simple counting. Herodotus employed it in his “Histories” when precisely documenting events that occurred twice. In philosophical contexts, Aristotle used it when discussing repetition in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” suggesting that certain virtues are established through repeated action. The Septuagint (LXX) uses δίς sparingly, most notably in passages describing ritual repetitions or confirming testimonies, reflecting the Jewish legal principle that truth is established by two witnesses.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The basic repetition of an action or event exactly two times
• A deliberate emphasis through repetition
• A prophetic certainty established through divine declaration
• A completed testimony according to Jewish legal standards

δίς Translation Options:

• “Twice” – The most common and straightforward translation, used when simply counting occurrences
• “Two times” – Slightly more emphatic, often used when the repeated action is being stressed
• “Double” – When the emphasis is on the intensity rather than just the number of occurrences
• “A second time” – When the sequence of events is being highlighted rather than just the count

Biblical Usage

The adverb δίς appears only 6 times in the New Testament, yet each occurrence carries significant weight. Its most notable usage is in Mark 14:30, where Yeshua (Jesus) prophesies to Peter: “Truly I tell you, today—this very night—before the rooster crows twice [δίς], you will deny me three times.” This precisely fulfilled prophecy demonstrates the Messiah’s divine foreknowledge and the specificity of God’s prophetic word.

In several Pauline epistles, δίς appears in contexts describing the apostle’s journeys or attempts to visit churches, indicating the deliberate nature of his ministry planning. The word also appears in Jude’s epistle referring to those who are “twice [δίς] dead,” a powerful metaphor for spiritual condition. In each case, the word moves beyond mere counting to emphasize divine design, certainty, or judgment.

• “Truly I tell you, today—this very night—before the rooster crows twice [δίς], you will deny me three times.” Mark 14:30
• “And immediately the rooster crowed a second time [δίς]. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows twice [δίς], you will disown me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:72
• “I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (δίς appears in verse 25)
• “So we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again [δίς]—but Satan blocked our way.” 1 Thessalonians 2:18
• “For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once [δίς] when I was in need.” Philippians 4:16
• “These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice [δίς] dead.” Jude 1:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish legal tradition, testimony required two witnesses to establish truth, based on the Torah principle from Deuteronomy 19:15: “A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” This principle makes the use of δίς particularly significant in prophetic or testimonial contexts, where the repetition serves not just as numerical information but as confirmation of truth.

The cockcrow mentioned in Mark 14:30 and Mark 14:72 relates to Roman timekeeping practices. The Romans divided the night watch into four parts, with the third watch sometimes called “cockcrow” (gallicinium). Mark’s account specifically mentions the rooster crowing twice (δίς), which would have been around 3:00 AM, corresponding to the Roman third watch. This precise timing detail not only demonstrates the accuracy of Yeshua’s prophecy but also places Peter’s denial within the specific timeframe of the Passover night trial—a detail that would have resonated deeply with Jewish readers familiar with the significance of Passover night watches.

Theological Significance

The limited but significant use of δίς in Scripture reveals important theological truths about God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge. In Mark 14:30, Yeshua’s prediction that the rooster would crow twice before Peter’s three denials demonstrates His divine knowledge of future events down to the smallest detail. This wasn’t just about knowing what Peter would do, but about knowing the exact timing and sequence of events that would unfold during that fateful night.

The concept of “twice” also carries theological weight in establishing certainty. In Hebrew thought, repetition serves to emphasize and confirm. When Pharaoh’s dream was given twice in Genesis 41:32, Joseph explained: “The reason the dream was given to Pharaoh in two forms is that the matter has been firmly decided by God, and God will do it soon.” Similarly, when something occurs or is stated δίς in Scripture, it often indicates divine confirmation or established certainty. This reflects the character of יהוה (Yahweh) as a God who fulfills His word and whose plans cannot be thwarted.

In Jude’s description of false teachers as “twice dead” (δίς ἀποθανόντα), we see a profound theological statement about spiritual condition. These individuals are not merely physically mortal (once dead) but spiritually dead as well (twice dead)—alienated from God and without hope of resurrection life unless they repent. This powerful metaphor reveals the gravity of apostasy and the righteous judgment of God against those who lead others astray.

Personal Application

The concept of δίς (twice) invites us to consider the certainty of God’s word in our own lives. Just as the rooster crowed twice exactly as Yeshua predicted, we can trust that every promise and prophecy in Scripture will be fulfilled with perfect precision. When we face doubt or uncertainty, we can remember that God’s word is confirmed and established—not once, but twice and more.

Peter’s experience also offers profound encouragement for those who have failed the Lord. Despite hearing the rooster crow twice—a painful reminder of his failure and the Lord’s perfect foreknowledge—Peter found complete restoration and went on to become a pillar of the early church. The same Lord who knew Peter would fall also knew he would rise again. When we stumble, we can take comfort that our failures don’t surprise God, and His plans for our restoration are already in motion.

Related Words

• δεύτερος (deuteros) – second, for the second time. While δίς simply means “twice,” δεύτερος specifically refers to the second in a sequence, emphasizing order rather than just repetition. See G1208
• δύο (duo) – two. This is the cardinal number from which δίς derives, referring to the quantity “two” rather than the repetition “twice.” See G1417
• διπλόος (diploos) – double, twofold. This adjective describes something that is doubled in quantity or quality, often implying intensity rather than just numerical repetition. See G1362
• δισμυριάδες (dismyriades) – twice ten thousand. This combines δίς with μυριάς (myriad) to form a specific large number (20,000), showing how δίς can be used as a numerical prefix. See G1364
• δίστομος (distomos) – two-edged, double-mouthed. This compound word uses δίς as a prefix to describe something with two edges or openings, most famously used to describe the Word of God as a two-edged sword. See G1366

Did You Know?

• The prophetic precision of δίς in Mark 14:30 is unique to Mark’s Gospel. Matthew, Luke, and John mention the rooster crowing only once, while Mark specifically records Yeshua’s prophecy that it would crow twice (δίς). This detail, preserved only by Mark, is thought by many scholars to reflect Peter’s own testimony (as Mark was Peter’s interpreter), adding a poignant personal touch to the account—Peter remembered not just that the rooster crowed, but that it crowed twice, exactly as Yeshua had foretold.
• The English word “dissonance” traces its etymology back to the same root as δίς. It comes from Latin “dis” (twice, apart) and “sonare” (to sound), literally meaning “sounding twice” or “sounding apart”—referring to discordant sounds. This linguistic connection reminds us how the concept of “twice” or “double” can imply not just repetition but also division or conflict, similar to how Jude uses δίς to describe the “twice dead” false teachers.
• In ancient Greek mathematical texts, δίς was used in calculations to indicate squaring a number (multiplying it by itself). For example, “δίς five” would mean “five squared” or twenty-five. This usage reflects how a simple concept like “twice” can take on specialized meanings in different contexts—a principle that applies to biblical interpretation as well, where δίς often carries significance beyond mere numerical repetition.

Remember This

When Scripture speaks of something happening δίς (twice), it’s not merely counting—it’s confirming divine certainty, establishing prophetic truth, and revealing the God who knows the end from the beginning.