Quick Definition
I cut in two, scourge severely
Strong's Definition
to bisect, i.e. (by extension) to flog severely
Derivation: from a compound of a derivative of G1364 (δίς) and a derivative of (to cut);
KJV Usage: cut asunder (in sunder)
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
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.)
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
διχοτομέω dichotomeō 2x
pr. to cut into two parts, cut asunder; in NT to inflict a punishment of extreme severity, Mat_24:51 ; Luk_12:46
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
διχοτομέω , -ῶ
( < διχοτόμος , < δίχα , τέμνω ),
[in LXX : Exo_29:17 ( H5408 pi .);]
to cut in two, cut asunder: perh. metaph . of severe scourging (but v. Meyer on Mt, l.c ., and cf. 1Sa_15:33 , 2Sa_12:31 , Heb_11:37 ), Mat_24:51 , Luk_12:46 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
διχοτομέω [page 165]
The word is found in a very touching sepulchral inscription from Lycaonia (iii/iv A.D.), published in JHS xxii. (1902), p. 369 f., which on account of its simplicity and pathos may be given entire, as freshly read by Prof. W. M. Calder : Γορδιανὸς τῇ γλυκυτάτῃ μου συμβίῳ Γαεάνῃ , ὑπὲρ τοῦ μέλιτος γλυκυτάτῃ , τῇ συνζησάσᾳ μοι χρόνους ὀλίγους ἐπι [τ ]ίμως , κὲ τῷ υεἱῷ μου τῷ πρωτοτόκ [ῳ ] Ἀμβροσίῳ τῷ διχοτομήσαντί με τοῦ πολοέτιον ζῆν . εὐθίως γὰρ πεντήκοντα ἡμέρας πληρώσας ἐξηκολούθησεν τῇ μητρὶ τῇ πανμακαρίτῃ . ἐλεύσομε δὲ κάτω πρὸς ὑμᾶς πληρώσας τὸ χρέος τ [ο ]ῦ βίου , Gordianus to my sweetest wife Gaiana, sweetest beyond honey, who lived with me honorably for a little time, and to my firstborn son Ambrosius, who cut me off from living through many years. For as soon as he had fulfilled fifty days he followed his sainted mother. But I shall come down to you when I have fulfilled my appointed portion of life. The verb may be quoted from 3 Baruch 16 ( Texts and Studies v. i. p. 94) διχοτομήσατε αὐτοὺς ἐν μαχαίρᾳ καὶ ἐν θανάτῳ καὶ τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν ἐν δαιμονίοις .
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
διχοτομέω "to cut in two, cut in twain", Plat. , NTest. [Etym: from δι^χότομος]
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
διχοτομέω, -ῶ
(διχοτόμος, δίχα, τέμνω), [in LXX: Exo.29:17 (נָתַח pi.) ;]
to cut in two, cut asunder: perh. metaphorically of severe scourging (but see Meyer on Mt, l.with, and cf. 1Ki.15:33, 2Ki.12:31, Heb.11:37), Mat.24:51, Luk.12:46.†
(AS)