Unity Imperative: σχίσμα (Strong’s G4978: schisma) Warns Against Church Division

Strong’s G4978: From schizó (to split), σχίσμα describes both physical tears and relational divisions. In church contexts, it warns against destructive splits while emphasizing the Messiah’s call for unity among His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

σχίσμα carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, from a tear in cloth to divisions within communities. The Messiah uses it to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new covenant realities through the parable of patching old garments. Paul applies it to church divisions, warning against fractures in the body of the Messiah. The early church saw this term as a serious warning against disunity while recognizing necessary separation from false teaching. Today, it challenges us to maintain unity in essential matters while handling differences with love.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σχίσμα, schisma, /skhē’-smä/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SKHEE-smah” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From σχίζω (schizó) – verb meaning “to split”
• -μα (-ma) – nominal suffix indicating result of action
• Root of English word “schism”

D – Defining Meanings

• A tear or rent
• A division or split
• Disunity among people

Translation Options:

• “Division” – Best captures relational context
• “Split” – Emphasizes the separating action
• “Schism” – Technical term derived directly from word

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διχοστασία (dichostasia) /dē-kho-stä-sē’-ä/ – dissension – See G1370
• μερισμός (merismos) /me-rē-smo’s/ – division – See G3311
• αἵρεσις (hairesis) /hī’-re-sēs/ – faction – See G139

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σχίσμα exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: σχίσμα (division)
• Genitive: σχίσματος (of division)
• Dative: σχίσματι (to/for division)
• Plural: σχίσματα (divisions)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and social division. Thayer’s notes its development from literal to figurative use. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for tears in fabric. Vine’s connects it to church unity. Strong’s highlights its root meaning of splitting. Moulton and Milligan note its technical usage in early church documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 9:16: “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear [σχίσμα] worse.”

Additional References:

• Mark 2:21
• John 7:43
• John 9:16
• John 10:19
• 1 Corinthians 1:10
• 1 Corinthians 11:18
• 1 Corinthians 12:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σχίσμα reminds us of our call to unity in the Messiah. This word proclaims the good news that through His work, we can overcome divisions and maintain the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, witnessing to the world through our oneness in Him.

D – Did You Know?

• The English word “schism” comes directly from this Greek term
• Early church councils used this word in their unity statements
• The term appears most frequently in John and 1 Corinthians

Strong’s G4978: From schizó (to split), σχίσμα describes both physical tears and relational divisions. In church contexts, it warns against destructive splits while emphasizing the Messiah’s call for unity among His people.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: division, unity, church splits, relational tears, body of Messiah, Paul’s teaching, church harmony, John’s Gospel, spiritual unity, ecclesiastical division​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​