διχοτομέω

διχοτομέω — dichotoméō

διχοτομέω, διχοτόμω: future διχοτομήσω; (διχότομος cutting in two); to cut into two parts (Exo 29:17): Mat 24:51; Luk 12:46 — in these passages many suppose reference to be made to that most cruel mode of punishment, in use among the Hebrews (1Sa 15:33) and other ancient nations (see Winers RWB under the word Lebensstrafen; (B. D. under the word, III. b. 3; especially Wetstein on Matthew, the passage cited)), by which criminals and captives were cut in two. But in the text the words which follow, and which imply that the one thus 'cut asunder' is still surviving, oppose this interpretation; so that here the word is more fitly translated cut up by scourging, scourge severely, (but see Meyer on Matthew, the passage cited). (Occasionally in Greek writings from Plato down.)