Lexical Summary diamerizó: To divide, to distribute, to apportion Original Word: διαμερίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cloven, dividedFrom dia and merizo; to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension) -- cloven, divide, part. see GREEK dia see GREEK merizo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and merizó Definition to distribute, to divide NASB Translation distributing (1), divided (4), divided...among (1), divided up...among themselves (2), dividing up...among (1), share (1), sharing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1266: διαμερίζωδιαμερίζω: imperfect διεμέριζον; 1 aorist imperative 2 person plural διαμερίσατε; passive (present διαμερίζομαι); perfect participle διαμεμερισμενος; 1 aorist διεμερίσθην; future διαμερισθήσομαι; (middle, present διαμερίζομαι; 1 aorist διεμερισαμην); to divide; 1. to cleave asunder, cut in pieces: ζῷα διαμερισθενα namely, by the butcher, Plato, legg. 8, p. 849 d.; according to a use peculiar to Luke in the passive, to be divided into opposing parts, to be at variance, in dissension: ἐπί τινα, against one, Luke 11:17f; ἐπί τίνι, 2. to distribute (Plato, polit., p. 289 c.; in the Sept. chiefly for חָלַק): τί, Mark 15:24 Rec.; τί τίνι, Luke 22:17 (where L T Tr WH εἰς ἑαυτούς for R G ἑαυτοῖς); Acts 2:45; passive Acts 2:3; middle to distribute among themselves: τί, Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24 G L T Tr WH; Luke 23:34; with ἑαυτοῖς added (Matthew 27:35 Rec.); John 19:24 from Psalm 21:19 Strong’s Greek 1266 presents a two–pronged idea: decisive division and gracious distribution. Whether exposing fault lines in human allegiance or parceling out tangible gifts, the verb consistently highlights a line drawn by God’s providence—either to reveal hearts or to supply needs. Division That Tests Allegiance Luke records the Lord’s warning that His coming ignites relational fracture: “From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three” (Luke 12:52; cf. 12:53). The gospel demands personal choice; when Christ is received by some and rejected by others, households split. Earlier Jesus had stated the principle in universal terms: “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall” (Luke 11:17). This maxim, repeated in Luke 11:18 with Satan’s kingdom as the negative example, grounds the peril of disunity and underscores the necessity of wholehearted loyalty to Christ. The Cup Shared Among Disciples During the Passover meal, Jesus said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves” (Luke 22:17). The same verb that marks division also conveys mutual participation. In the upper room the Lord models fellowship grounded in His impending sacrifice, teaching that what He provides must be received corporately and personally. Pentecost: Fire Parted for Empowerment “At Pentecost they saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:3). The dividing flame signals both unity and individuality: the same Spirit empowers each believer without dissolving personal identity. What might seem fragmentation is, in fact, the means by which one gospel spreads through many voices. Distribution of Resources in the Early Church The fellowship born of the Spirit quickly expressed itself in practical generosity: “They sold their property and possessions and shared with anyone who had need” (Acts 2:45). Division here is the breaking up of private holdings so that no member lacks. The term thus links spiritual endowment with material stewardship—God divides gifts so the body may be whole. Prophetic Fulfillment at the Cross “All four Gospel witnesses note the soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24).” What appears as casual cruelty actually fulfills Psalm 22:18, certifying Jesus as the promised Sufferer. The verb therefore anchors messianic prophecy in historical detail, confirming Scripture’s reliability. Ecclesiological Implications 1. Unity safeguarded: If internal division destroys kingdoms (Luke 11:17), Christ’s church must guard doctrinal and relational oneness. Pastoral Warnings and Encouragements • Division over Christ is inevitable; division within Christ is intolerable. Eschatological Perspective The household strife of Luke 12 aligns with the separating work that will climax at final judgment (cf. Matthew 25:31-46). Present choices foreshadow eternal destinies. Summary Strong’s 1266 threads through judgment, fellowship, prophecy, and stewardship. It exposes hearts, distributes grace, fulfills Scripture, and sustains community. The same Christ who separates light from darkness also breaks bread for His disciples, dividing that He might unify all who call upon His name. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 27:35 V-AIM-3PGRK: δὲ αὐτὸν διεμερίσαντο τὰ ἱμάτια NAS: And when they had crucified Him, they divided up His garments KJV: him, and parted his INT: moreover him they divided the garments Matthew 27:35 V-AIM-3P Mark 15:24 V-PIM-3P Luke 11:17 V-APP-NFS Luke 11:18 V-AIP-3S Luke 12:52 V-RPM/P-NMP Luke 12:53 V-FIP-3P Luke 22:17 V-AMA-2P Luke 23:34 V-PPM-NMP John 19:24 V-AIM-3P Acts 2:3 V-PPM/P-NFP Acts 2:45 V-IIA-3P Strong's Greek 1266 |
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