μερίζω
merizō
to divide
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word μερίζω (merizō) means "to divide." This verb is used 14 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. The meaning of "to divide" encompasses both physical and figurative divisions, such as separating objects, people, or ideas. The range of usage for μερίζω is diverse, appearing in different genres of biblical texts, including the Gospels, Acts, and Epistles. It is often used in situations where separation or division is necessary, such as in the allocation of goods, the distribution of responsibilities, or the distinction between good and evil. The significance of μερίζω lies in its role in highlighting the consequences of division and the importance of unity. In the biblical context, division often leads to conflict, strife, and separation from God. Conversely, unity and division can be seen as choices that individuals and communities make, with significant consequences for their relationships and spiritual well-being.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences across the text
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Matthew 12:25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Matthew 12:26If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand?
Mark 3:24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
Mark 3:25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
Mark 3:26If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can’t stand, but has an end.
Mark 6:41He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.
Luke 12:13One of the multitude said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Romans 12:3For I say through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
1 Corinthians 1:13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 7:17Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
1 Corinthians 7:34There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband.
2 Corinthians 10:13But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.
Hebrews 7:2to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”,