Strong’s G4977: From a primary root meaning to split, σχίζω describes dramatic separation or division. At the Messiah’s death, it depicts the supernatural rending of the Temple veil, symbolizing the new access to God through His sacrifice.

U- Unveiling the Word

σχίζω powerfully conveys the idea of forceful separation or dramatic splitting. In its first New Testament appearance, it describes the supernatural tearing of the Temple veil at the Messiah’s death, symbolizing the new access to God’s presence. This word also appears at His baptism when the heavens were “torn open,” marking divine intervention in human history. The early church saw in this term both God’s dramatic breaking into human reality and the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Today, it reminds us of the Messiah’s work in removing all obstacles between us and the Father.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σχίζω, schizó, /skhē’-zō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SKHEE-zoh” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary root meaning “to split”
• Related to Sanskrit root chid- (to cut off)
• Source of English words like “schism” and “schedule”

D – Defining Meanings

• To split
• To tear apart
• To divide forcefully

Translation Options:

• “To tear” – Best captures the violent action
• “To split” – Emphasizes the separation aspect
• “To rend” – Traditional translation conveying dramatic force

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διαρρήσσω (diarréssó) /dē-ä-rās’-sō/ – to tear apart – See G1284
• διαιρέω (diaireó) /dē-ī-re’-ō/ – to divide – See G1244
• μερίζω (merizó) /me-rē’-zō/ – to divide – See G3307

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σχίζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective, Perfective

Examples:

• σχίζω – Present active (I tear)
• ἐσχίσθη – Aorist passive (was torn)
• σχίζων – Present active participle (tearing)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its violent nature. Thayer’s notes both literal and metaphorical uses. LSJ documents its wide range in classical Greek. Vine’s connects it to divine intervention. Strong’s highlights the completeness of the division. Moulton and Milligan note its use in dramatic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 27:51: “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn [σχίζω] in two from top to bottom.”

Additional References:

• Mark 1:10
• Mark 15:38
• Luke 23:45
• John 19:24
• Acts 14:4
• Acts 23:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σχίζω proclaims the dramatic way God has opened access to His presence through the Messiah. This word declares the good news that through His death, all barriers between God and humanity have been torn away, enabling direct communion with the Father.

D – Did You Know?

• The word provides the root for English “schism”
• It appears in all Gospel accounts of the Temple veil rending
• Ancient historians used it to describe supernatural events

Strong’s G4977: From a primary root meaning to split, σχίζω describes dramatic separation or division. At the Messiah’s death, it depicts the supernatural rending of the Temple veil, symbolizing the new access to God through His sacrifice.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: tearing, division, Temple veil, divine access, crucifixion, supernatural events, heavenly opening, God’s presence, barriers removed, salvation accomplished​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​