Dictionary entry

διχοτομέω

G. Abbott-Smith's A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament

διχοτομέω, -ῶ

(< διχοτόμος, < δίχα, τέμνω), [in LXX: Ex 29:17 (נתח pi.);]

to cut in two, cut asunder: perh. metaph. of severe scourging (but v. Meyer on Mt, l.c., and cf. I Ki 15:33, II Ki 12:31, He 11:37), Mt 24:51, Lk 12:46.†