Brief Overview of διαμερίζω (G1266: diamerízō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαμερίζω (diamerízō) [dee-ah-meh-REE-zoh]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and μερίζω (G3307: merízō) meaning to divide, to distribute.

Word Breakdown:

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• Person: First person
• Number: Singular
• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαμερίζω in its present active indicative form. However, this breakdown can differ depending on the word’s use in different contexts within a sentence, where it may appear in various persons, numbers, tenses, voices, or moods.

Primary Meanings

• To divide or separate into parts.
• To distribute or apportion among individuals.
• To break up or disperse, particularly in the context of dividing something previously whole.
• To cause division or dissension among groups or individuals.

Lexicon Descriptions

BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich):

• διαμερίζω is used to describe the act of dividing or distributing something among several parties. It often implies the separation of something that was previously united or whole.
• Scripture References: Matthew 27:35, Luke 23:34, John 19:24, Acts 2:45

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαμερίζω as meaning to divide or separate, particularly in the sense of distributing or apportioning something among individuals. It can also imply causing division or discord.
• Scripture References: Matthew 27:35, Luke 23:34, John 19:24, Acts 2:45

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s describes διαμερίζω as the act of dividing or distributing, especially in contexts where something is apportioned among a group. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe causing division or dissension.
• Scripture References: Matthew 27:35, Luke 23:34, John 19:24, Acts 2:45

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαμερίζω as to divide, distribute, or apportion. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts, often referring to the division of physical objects, groups, or even abstract concepts like opinions or ideas.
• Scripture References: Matthew 27:35, Luke 23:34, John 19:24, Acts 2:45

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαμερίζω as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and μερίζω (G3307: merízō), meaning to divide or apportion. It is frequently used to describe the act of dividing something into parts, whether literally or metaphorically.
• Scripture References: Matthew 27:35, Luke 23:34, John 19:24, Acts 2:45

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαμερίζω to describe the division of spoils or land among victors after a battle. This reflects the term’s use in contexts of distributing or apportioning something of value among a group.
• Plato, Republic: Plato employs διαμερίζω in discussions about the division of labor or roles within a society, emphasizing the importance of each person or group having a distinct role or portion of responsibility.
• Xenophon, Anabasis: Xenophon uses διαμερίζω to describe the distribution of resources among soldiers after a successful campaign, highlighting the practical application of the term in military and logistical contexts.

Summary

διαμερίζω (G1266: diamerízō) is a Greek verb that primarily means to divide, separate, or distribute something into parts. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and μερίζω (to divide, to distribute), the term carries the connotation of breaking up something that was previously united or whole. In the New Testament, διαμερίζω is used in contexts where something is physically divided, such as the garments of Jesus at the crucifixion, as well as in situations involving the distribution of goods among believers. Its usage in classical Greek literature further highlights its application in contexts of division and distribution, whether in terms of land, resources, or responsibilities. Overall, διαμερίζω is a term that emphasizes the act of dividing or apportioning, making it a key concept for understanding the dynamics of separation, distribution, and division in both literal and metaphorical contexts within ancient Greek thought.