διχοτομέω, -ῶ (< διχοτόμος, < δίχα, τέμνω), [in LXX: Exo.29:17 (נָתַח pi.) ;] to cut in two, cut asunder: perh. metaph. of severe scourging (but see Meyer on Mt, l.with, and cf. Refs 1Ki.15:33, 2Ki.12:31, Heb.11:37), Mat.24:51, Luk.12:46.† (AS)
Thayer:
1) to cut into two parts 1a) of the cruel method of punishment used by the Hebrews and others of cutting one in two 2) cut up by scourging, scourge severely
διχοτομέω
dichotomeō
dee-khot-om-eh'-o
From a compound of a derivative of G1364 and a derivative of τέμνω temnō (to cut); to bisect, that is, (by extension) to flog severely