Greek · G1266

διαμερίζω

To partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

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διαμερίζωG1266
Pronunciationdiamerízō

What does διαμερίζω (diamerízō) mean in the Bible?

G1266 describes dividing something into shares, distributing it among people, or separating people and groups into opposed sides. The verb can refer to shared goods, a cup distributed among disciples, garments divided by soldiers, flame-like tongues distributed among believers, or a household and kingdom divided against itself, so generous distribution and hostile division must remain morally distinct.

Reader summary

Full entry for διαμερίζω (G1266) · Open the biblical lexicon

Questions this entry answers

What does διαμερίζω (diamerízō) mean in the Bible?

G1266 describes dividing something into shares, distributing it among people, or separating people and groups into opposed sides. The verb can refer to shared goods, a cup distributed among disciples, garments divided by soldiers, flame-like tongues distributed among believers, or a household and kingdom divided against itself, so generous distribution and.

How does the BSB render G1266?

The BSB source-word alignment has 11 aligned rows for this entry. Common renderings include divided (2), they divided up (2), divide [it] (1), is divided (1), that separated (1).

Where does διαμερίζω (diamerízō) appear in Scripture?

The source-word alignment first shows this entry at Matthew 27:35. Its strongest book concentrations include Luke (6), Acts (2), John (1), Mark (1).

What This Word Actually Means

G1266 describes dividing something into shares, distributing it among people, or separating people and groups into opposed sides. The verb can refer to shared goods, a cup distributed among disciples, garments divided by soldiers, flame-like tongues distributed among believers, or a household and kingdom divided against itself, so generous distribution and hostile division must remain morally distinct.

In Acts. 2. 45, the Jerusalem believers sell possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds among people according to each ones need. In Luke. 11. 17, jesus answers the Beelzebul accusation by observing that every kingdom divided against itself is devastated and a divided household falls. G1266 opens teaching on division that gives and division that destroys, from resources shared with people in need to households strained by responses to Jesus.

It corrects the assumption that all division is sinful or all sharing is automatically just, and it prevents Jesus words about divided households from becoming permission to provoke, manipulate, or abandon family members. G1266 can create provision or expose fracture: the Jerusalem believers distribute resources to anyone in need, Jesus says a kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and He warns that responses to Him will divide households.

Sharing goods answers need; internal opposition destroys common life; allegiance to Jesus can reveal real conflict without making conflict itself holy. Teachers must name who acts and what kind of division results. For G1266, responsible teaching keeps lexical meaning, passage context, canonical synthesis, and present application distinguishable. G1266 does not require uniform ownership of all property, bless every church split, authorize contempt for relatives, or let leaders manufacture family estrangement as proof of discipleship.

Sources