The term "twain" is an archaic English word meaning "two" or "both." It is often used in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version, to denote duality or a pair. In the Berean Standard Bible , the word "twain" is typically rendered as "two" or "both," reflecting modern English usage.

Biblical Usage:

1. Marriage and Unity:
The concept of "twain" is notably present in discussions of marriage and unity. In Matthew 19:5-6 , Jesus refers to the Genesis account of marriage: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Here, "twain" emphasizes the union of husband and wife as a single entity in the eyes of God.

2. Division and Reconciliation:
The idea of "twain" also appears in contexts of division and reconciliation. In Ephesians 2:14-16 , Paul speaks of Christ's work in reconciling Jews and Gentiles: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." The use of "twain" here underscores the unity brought about through Christ's sacrifice.

3. Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the concept of "twain" is often used in legal and ceremonial contexts. For example, in Leviticus 14:49-53 , the cleansing of a house from leprosy involves two birds: "He is to take two birds and cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop to purify the house." The use of "twain" in such rituals highlights the importance of dual elements in achieving purification and atonement.

4. Symbolism and Prophecy:
The duality implied by "twain" can also be symbolic, representing choices or paths. In Zechariah 11:7 , the prophet speaks of two staffs: "So I shepherded the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock." The "twain" staffs symbolize God's favor and unity with His people, as well as the potential for division and judgment.

Theological Implications:

The use of "twain" in Scripture often points to deeper theological truths about unity, division, and reconciliation. In marriage, it reflects the divine intention for a man and woman to become one flesh, symbolizing the intimate relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). In the context of reconciliation, "twain" illustrates the breaking down of barriers and the creation of a new, unified humanity in Christ.

In summary, the concept of "twain" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of God's design for unity and reconciliation, both in human relationships and in the broader spiritual context of His redemptive plan.(a. & n.) Two; -- nearly obsolete in common discourse, but used in poetry and burlesque.1417. duo -- two
... both, twain, two. A primary numeral; "two" -- both, twain, two. (duo) -- 126
Occurrences. (dusi) -- 3 Occurrences. (dusin) -- 6 Occurrences. 1416, 1417. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1417.htm - 6k

1366. distomos -- double-mouthed, two-edged
... edged. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: distomos Phonetic Spelling:
(dis'-tom-os) Short Definition: two-edged Definition: (lit: twain-mouthed; hence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1366.htm - 7k

8147. shenayim -- two (a cardinal number)
... twos (2). both, couple, double, second, twain. Dual of sheniy; feminine
shttayim {shet-tah'-yim}; two; also (as ordinal) twofold ...
/hebrew/8147.htm - 7k

Concerning the Pharisees and Scribes Tempting Jesus (By Asking) ...
... He who created them from the beginning made them male and female," etc., and,
subjoining to these words, because of the saying, "And the twain shall become one ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/16 concerning the pharisees and.htm

Matt. xix. 1
... made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father
and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they twain shall be [2379 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxii matt xix 1.htm

A Seraph's Wings
... A SERAPH'S WINGS. 'With twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered
his feet, and with twain he did fly.'"Isaiah 6:2. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a seraphs wings.htm

Messiah Worshipped by Angels
... Thus Isaiah, when he saw His glory and spoke of Him, saw the seraphim standing;
each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxviii messiah worshipped by.htm

Jesaia, Dem Propheten, Das Geschah. These Things the Seer Isaiah ...
... Beside him stood two seraphim which had Six wings, wherewith they both alike were
clad; With twain they hid their shining with twain They hid their feet as ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/xxv jesaia dem propheten das.htm

Vision and SerVice
... Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the
temple.2. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/vision and service.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 42, Where the Lord Asks ...
... bond might not be dissolved: Have ye not read,' said He, that God which made them
at the beginning, made them male and female; and said, They twain shall be in ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xli on the words.htm

Master of Men but Servant of All
... For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
and they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter x master of men.htm

The Christian Home
... "For this cause," Christ said, "shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave
to his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh, so that they are no more ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study x the christian home.htm

Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch.
... at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man
leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter x authenticity and credibility.htm

Twain (16 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Twain (16 Occurrences). Matthew 5:41 And whosoever
shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (KJV). ...
/t/twain.htm - 11k

Flying (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 6:2 Above Him stood the seraphim; each one had six wings: with twain he covered
his face and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. ...
/f/flying.htm - 12k

Seraphims (2 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered
his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. ...
/s/seraphims.htm - 6k

Cherubim (63 Occurrences)
... Like the cherubim, the seraphim are the attendants on God as He is seated upon a
throne high and exalted; they are also winged creatures: with twain they cover ...
/c/cherubim.htm - 40k

Whether (239 Occurrences)
... Arise, and walk? (KJV). Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will
of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith ...
/w/whether.htm - 37k

Rent (76 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top
to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; (KJV ASV DBY WBS ...
/r/rent.htm - 32k

Family (438 Occurrences)
... The subsequent words make marriage life-lasting. "They twain shall be one
flesh." A dualism becomes an individualism. So said Christ ...
/f/family.htm - 87k

Fly (33 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 6:2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered
his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. ...
/f/fly.htm - 26k

Faces (158 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 6:2 Above Him stood the seraphim; each one had six wings: with twain he covered
his face and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. ...
/f/faces.htm - 37k

Twelfth (20 Occurrences)

/t/twelfth.htm - 14k

Who was John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.org

Twain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus