Brief Overview of διαμερισμός (G1267: diamerismós)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διαμερισμός (diamerismós) [dee-ah-meh-rees-MOS]
• Etymology: From the root words διά (G1223: diá) meaning through, by means of and μερισμός (G3311: merismós) meaning a division, distribution, or separation.

Word Breakdown:

Save with code – FOG20

• Person: N/A (Noun)
• Number: Singular
• Tense: N/A (Noun)
• Voice: N/A (Noun)
• Mood: N/A (Noun)

Disclaimer: The above morphological breakdown reflects the word διαμερισμός as a noun, meaning it does not carry person, tense, voice, or mood, which are attributes of verbs. However, its form can vary in number (singular or plural) based on its usage in sentences.

Primary Meanings

• Division or separation into parts.
• The act of dividing or the state of being divided.
• Distribution or apportioning of something among multiple parties.
• In a broader sense, it can also imply dissension or discord as a result of division.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• διαμερισμός is used to describe the act of dividing or the result of a division. It often carries the connotation of something that has been separated into parts, whether physically, socially, or ideologically.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:51

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines διαμερισμός as meaning a division or distribution. It suggests the process of separating or apportioning something, and can also refer to the resulting state of separation or division.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:51

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s explains διαμερισμός as division or separation, particularly in contexts where the division leads to discord or differing opinions. It is used in the New Testament to highlight the effect of Jesus’ teachings causing division among people.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:51

LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones):

• LSJ defines διαμερισμός as the act of dividing or distributing. It can be used in both literal and figurative senses, often to describe the splitting of a group or the distribution of something into parts.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:51

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

• Strong’s defines διαμερισμός as a compound word from διά (G1223: diá) and μερισμός (G3311: merismós), meaning division or distribution. It is often used to describe the process or result of dividing something into separate parts or groups.
• Scripture References: Luke 12:51

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses διαμερισμός to describe the division of territories or peoples after conquests, highlighting the redistribution of lands and the resulting political divisions.
• Plato, Republic: Plato employs διαμερισμός in his discussions of social structure, where he talks about the division of labor and roles within a society, emphasizing the importance of order and organization.
• Xenophon, Cyropaedia: Xenophon uses διαμερισμός to describe the distribution of resources among soldiers, indicating the practical aspects of dividing and apportioning wealth or goods after military victories.

Summary

διαμερισμός (G1267: diamerismós) is a Greek noun that primarily refers to division, separation, or distribution into parts. Derived from διά (through, by means of) and μερισμός (a division, distribution), the term emphasizes the concept of dividing something that was once whole into separate parts or groups. In the New Testament, διαμερισμός is notably used in Luke 12:51, where Jesus speaks of bringing division rather than peace, signifying the inevitable separation or discord that can arise even from something as transformative as His teachings. In classical Greek literature, the term is used to describe the division of lands, peoples, and resources, reflecting both the physical and social implications of dividing or distributing. Overall, διαμερισμός is a term that underscores the realities of division, whether in terms of physical separation, social discord, or the apportioning of resources, making it a significant concept in understanding both ancient and biblical notions of division and distribution.