Brief Overview of διχάζω (G1369: dichazō)

Word Details

• Transliteration: διχάζω (dichazō)
• Etymology: The word διχάζω comes from the root “δίχα” (dicha), meaning “in two” or “apart,” combined with the verb ending -ζω, indicating an action. Thus, διχάζω literally means “to divide into two” or “to cause division.”
• Part of Speech: Verb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Divide into Two Parts: The primary meaning of διχάζω is to physically or metaphorically divide something into two distinct parts.
• To Cause Division or Separation: This word can also carry the broader meaning of causing division or separation between people or groups, often leading to conflict or disagreement.
• To Split or Split Apart: In some contexts, διχάζω can be used to describe the act of splitting something, whether it be an object or a relationship.

Further Insights

• Morphology: The word διχάζω is a verb that belongs to the Greek first conjugation. It is formed from the base “δίχα,” meaning “in two,” combined with the verb-forming suffix -ζω, which denotes an action. The structure of the word inherently suggests an action that results in a division or separation.
• Grammatical Usage: As a verb, διχάζω can be conjugated to reflect different tenses, moods, and voices, depending on the context of its use. The action of dividing or splitting is central to the word’s meaning.
• Cultural Context: In the context of ancient Greek society, division or conflict often had significant social and political implications. The use of διχάζω in literature would therefore carry connotations of discord or schism, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.

Lexicon Descriptions

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

• BDAG defines διχάζω primarily as “to divide or cause division,” particularly emphasizing the verb’s application in contexts where separation or splitting occurs, either physically or relationally.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:35 – “For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon aligns with BDAG in defining διχάζω as “to divide into two” or “to separate.” Thayer also notes the word’s metaphorical use in creating division among people, highlighting its implications in social or familial settings.
• Scripture Reference: Luke 12:51 – “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.”

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:

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• Strong’s Concordance lists διχάζω as “to divide or disunite,” emphasizing the word’s potential to describe both physical separation and the figurative division of groups or relationships.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:35

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

• Vine’s Dictionary discusses διχάζω in the context of its New Testament usage, particularly focusing on how Jesus’ teachings often resulted in division among listeners. The word is highlighted as part of a broader discussion on conflict and unity in the early Christian community.
• Scripture Reference: Matthew 10:35

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

• Herodotus’ Histories: Although διχάζω itself might not frequently appear in classical Greek texts, the concept of division is common, particularly in historical accounts where leaders or events caused significant splits in society or among allies. Herodotus, for example, discusses how leaders’ decisions led to divisions within city-states or among allies.
• Sophocles’ Plays: In the context of Greek tragedy, division or schism is a frequent theme. While διχάζω might not be used explicitly, the underlying concept is central to many of the conflicts that drive the narratives, such as in “Antigone,” where family and political loyalties are divided.
• Plato’s Dialogues: Division or the splitting of ideas is a recurring theme in Plato’s philosophical dialogues. While the exact verb διχάζω may not appear, the act of dividing concepts or arguments is central to the dialectical method that Plato employs.

Summary

The Greek verb διχάζω (G1369) primarily means “to divide into two parts” or “to cause division.” It is derived from the root “δίχα,” meaning “in two,” combined with the verb-forming suffix -ζω. This word is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, emphasizing actions that lead to division or separation, whether in physical objects or within relationships and social groups. In the New Testament, διχάζω is notably used to describe the division that Jesus’ teachings could bring to families and communities, underscoring the powerful and sometimes divisive impact of His message. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature, while not frequent, aligns with broader themes of division and conflict that were central to Greek culture and thought. Through its linguistic and cultural significance, διχάζω provides insight into the nature of conflict, division, and the choices that lead to separation in both ancient and modern contexts.