Understanding ἀποδιορίζω (apodiorizo) Strong’s G592: The Divisive Spirit that Separates Believers and Threatens Church Unity

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-dee-or-ID-zo (emphasis on ID)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G592: A compound verb meaning to disjoin, separate, or make distinctions that cause division. It specifically refers to the act of creating separations or boundaries between people in a way that causes harm to fellowship and unity. This rare word appears only once in the New Testament and carries strong negative connotations of divisive behavior that damages the community of believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Compound verb formed from three elements: ἀπό (from/away) + διά (through) + ὁρίζω (to define/limit)
• Used primarily in teaching/warning contexts
• Post-classical Greek term
• Appears in ecclesiastical and patristic literature
• Related to boundary-setting terminology

ἀποδιορίζω Morphology:

• ἀποδιορίζοντες (present active participle, nominative plural masculine) – those who are causing divisions
• ἀποδιορίζειν (present active infinitive) – to cause divisions
• ἀποδιορίζῃ (present active subjunctive, 2nd person singular) – you might cause divisions
• ἀποδιωρίζετο (imperfect passive indicative, 3rd person singular) – was being divided

Origin & History

The term ἀποδιορίζω emerges from classical Greek philosophical discourse where it was used to describe the process of making careful distinctions or setting boundaries in logical argumentation. In the Hellenistic period, it began to take on more social connotations, particularly in discussions of group dynamics and social boundaries.

The word appears in the works of early Christian writers like Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 3.5) where he uses it to describe heretical teachers who created unnecessary divisions within the church. The term’s negative connotations grew stronger in patristic literature, where it became associated with schismatic behavior and false teaching.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To make divisions or separations that damage community
• To set up boundaries that exclude others inappropriately
• To create distinctions that lead to factionalism
• To separate oneself from the community through pride or false teaching

ἀποδιορίζω Translation Options:

• “Those who cause divisions” – Emphasizes the active role in creating separation
• “Those who set up dividing walls” – Captures the metaphorical boundary-creating aspect
• “Those who make destructive distinctions” – Highlights the harmful nature of the divisions
• “Those who separate themselves” – Focuses on the self-isolating aspect

Biblical Usage

The sole New Testament occurrence of ἀποδιορίζω is found in Jude 1:19, where it describes false teachers who create divisions within the church. The context reveals these individuals as worldly-minded people who lack the Spirit and follow their natural instincts, causing serious damage to church unity.

While the word itself appears only once, the concept it represents is addressed throughout the New Testament, particularly in passages dealing with church unity and false teaching. Paul’s warnings about divisions in 1 Corinthians 1:10 and his teachings on unity in Ephesians 4:3-6 reflect similar concerns.

• “These are the ones who cause divisions [ἀποδιορίζοντες], worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit.” Jude 1:19

Cultural Insights

In the first-century Mediterranean world, group identity and community cohesion were paramount values. The act of causing divisions (ἀποδιορίζω) would have been seen as particularly egregious within this cultural context. The term would have resonated with Jewish readers familiar with the concept of “sowing discord among brethren” as one of the seven abominations mentioned in Proverbs 6:19.

The word carries echoes of the Hebrew concept of מַחֲלֹקֶת (machaloket), which in rabbinic literature refers to divisive disputes that threaten community harmony. Unlike constructive debate (מַחְלוֹקֶת לְשֵׁם שָׁמַיִם – disputes for the sake of Heaven), the type of division described by ἀποδιορίζω is purely destructive.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀποδιορίζω in Jude’s epistle reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of spiritual warfare and its impact on church unity. The fact that those who cause divisions are described as “devoid of the Spirit” suggests that true unity is a fruit of the Holy Spirit’s presence, while division often indicates His absence.

This word also highlights the serious nature of divisive behavior in God’s eyes. Just as the Messiah Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21), those who deliberately create divisions work against His high priestly prayer. The term serves as a warning that our treatment of fellow believers has profound spiritual implications.

Personal Application

When we encounter the word ἀποδιορίζω, we’re challenged to examine our own hearts and actions regarding church unity. Are we building bridges or creating walls? Are our distinctions necessary for truth and holiness, or are they unnecessary barriers that harm fellowship?

This word calls us to pursue peace and unity while remaining faithful to biblical truth. It reminds us that genuine Spirit-filled living produces unity, not division, and challenges us to be peacemakers rather than dividers in our congregations.

Related Words

• διαμερίζω (diamerizo) – to divide, separate, distribute; used for legitimate division of things but can also describe social division. See G1266
• σχίζω (schizo) – to split, divide, separate; from which we get the word “schism.” See G4977
• διχοστασία (dichostasia) – division, dissension, sedition; emphasizes standing apart. See G1370
• μερίζω (merizo) – to divide, separate, distribute; neutral term for division. See G3307
• διαιρέω (diaireo) – to divide, distribute; often used positively. See G1244

Did you Know?

• The word ἀποδιορίζω is one of 20 New Testament words that appear only in Jude’s epistle, highlighting the unique vocabulary and urgent concerns of this brief but powerful letter.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of this word in philosophical and theological discourse, particularly in discussions of logical distinctions and categorizations, though without the negative spiritual connotations found in the New Testament.
• The compound structure of ἀποδιορίζω (three prepositions/prefixes combined with a verb) makes it one of the most structurally complex words in the New Testament, reflecting the complexity of the divisive behavior it describes.

Remember This

ἀποδιορίζω serves as a divine warning that those who create divisions in the Body of Messiah reveal their spiritual condition, for where the Spirit of God truly dwells, unity flourishes rather than fragments.