Bible Dictionary
DIOSCURI
The Dioscuri were the twin figures Castor and Pollux, regarded by Greeks as protectors of sailors. Their image appeared as the sign of the ship carrying Paul from Malta.
Definition
The Dioscuri were the twin figures Castor and Pollux, regarded in Greek tradition as sons of Zeus and as protectors of sailors. Their name means “sons of Zeus,” and they were represented by the two chief stars in the constellation of the Twins.
Biblical Usage
The Dioscuri appeared as the sign of the ship on which Paul sailed from Malta toward Syracuse and Rhegium, as recorded in Acts 28:11.
Historical Background
The constellation was considered especially favorable to sailors, so ships were often placed under the protection of the twin gods. Castor and Pollux were also associated with marking the beginning of the new year by their setting.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>di-os'-ku-ri (Dioscouroi; in Ac 28:11, the King James Version Castor and Pollux, the Revised Version (British and American) THE TWIN BROTHERS; in margin, "Dioscuri"): The sign of the ship on which Paul sailed from Melita to Syracuse and Rhegium. The Dioscuri (i.e. sons of Zeus), Castor and Pollux, are the two chief stars in the constellation of the Twins. Some 4,000 years BC they served as pointers to mark the beginning of the new year by setting together with the first new moon of springtime. The constellation of the Twins was supposed to be especially favorable to sailors, hence, ships were often placed under the protection of the twin gods.</p><p>E. W. Maunder</p>