Brief Overview of μερισμός (Strong’s G3311: merismos)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for grasping the full depth and nuance of the original text. The word μερισμός (merismos) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of division, distribution, or separation. This term, used in the New Testament, especially in Hebrews 2:4, reflects how God distributes or divides gifts, miracles, and even responsibilities among His people. In a broader sense, merismos also holds theological importance in understanding how spiritual gifts and divine interventions are allocated to individuals for the edification of the Church. Exploring this word provides a deeper insight into God’s divine orchestration and the way He imparts His will through the Holy Spirit to believers.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μερισμός, merismos [meh-ree-SMOS].

Etymology: Derived from the root word μέρος (meros), meaning “part” or “portion,” combined with the suffix -μός, indicating the process or result of dividing or apportioning something. The root reflects the concept of division or distribution.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. Merismos is a second-declension noun in Greek grammar, indicating it follows a particular set of case endings for singular and plural forms.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Division or Separation: The primary meaning of merismos is division or separation, often referring to the act of distinguishing or apportioning parts of a whole. This meaning is relevant in contexts where different elements are being delineated or separated.
2. Distribution: Another core meaning is distribution, particularly in the context of spiritual gifts or blessings. It conveys the idea of God distributing different abilities or functions among His people.
3. Allocation: In a more general sense, merismos can refer to the act of assigning or allocating resources, roles, or responsibilities. This meaning is especially pertinent in theological discussions about how God assigns spiritual roles within the Church.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μέρος (meros) [MEH-ros]: Refers to a part or segment of a whole, focusing on the individual elements within a larger context. It is the root word from which merismos is derived.
2. διαίρεσις (diairesis) [dee-ah-EE-re-sis]: Meaning “division” or “classification,” this word emphasizes the analytical aspect of dividing or categorizing, particularly in philosophical contexts.
3. κατανομή (katanomē) [ka-ta-NOH-may]: Refers to a division or distribution of resources, similar to merismos, but often used in more mundane, administrative contexts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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As a second-declension noun, merismos has specific endings based on case and number. Here is a declension table for merismos:

This table shows how merismos changes form depending on its grammatical role in a sentence.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Merismos is explored in various Greek lexicons, offering valuable insights into its usage and implications. BDAG highlights its usage in Hebrews 2:4 and 4:12, describing how the word illustrates both physical and spiritual divisions. Thayer’s Lexicon expands on this, noting its application in describing the distribution of spiritual gifts. LSJ provides a classical perspective, indicating its use in dividing land or wealth. Vine’s Expository Dictionary emphasizes its theological significance in the New Testament, particularly in understanding the nature of divine distribution. Strong’s Concordance connects merismos to the act of dividing or distributing, while LEH outlines its application in the Septuagint to describe divisions of land and inheritance. Moulton and Milligan illustrate its use in non-biblical Greek to refer to legal divisions or partitions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Hebrews 2:4: “God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts [μερισμοῖς] of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”
2. Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing as far as the division [μερισμοῦ] of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word merismos captures the essence of division and distribution, whether of spiritual gifts, divine responsibilities, or even physical portions of land. It underscores the idea that God intentionally distributes His blessings and responsibilities among believers. Understanding merismos provides deeper insights into passages like Hebrews 4:12, where the division between soul and spirit is highlighted, and Hebrews 2:4, where the Holy Spirit’s distribution of gifts is discussed.

Did You Know?

1. The word merismos appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Hebrews.
2. In classical Greek, merismos was often used in legal contexts to describe the division of estates or property.
3. The Septuagint uses a related form of merismos to describe the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, highlighting its importance in understanding biblical inheritance and distribution.