Double
Double (represented by several Hebrews and Greek words) has many significations in Scripture. "A double garment" (Ex 39:9) may mean a lined habit, such as the high-priest's pectoral, or a complete habit or suit of clothes, a cloak and a tunic, etc. Double heart, double tongue, double mind, are opposed to a simple, honest, sincere heart, tongue, mind, etc. Double, the counterpart to a quantity, to a space, to a measure, etc., which is proposed as the exemplar. "Double money" — the same value as before, with an equal value added to it (Ge 43:12,15). If a stolen ox or sheep be found, the thief shall restore double, that is, two oxen or two sheep. For the right understanding of Isa 40:2, "She hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins," read the counterpart, that which fits, the commensurate quantity, extent, or number of her sins; that which is adequate, all things considered, as a dispensation of punishment. This passage does not mean twice as much as had been deserved, double what was just, but the fair, commensurate, adequate retribution. The same is the meaning of this phrase in other places (Isa 61:7; Jer 16:18; Jer 17:18.-Calmet, s.v.
