from διαιρέω; a distinction or (concretely) variety:--difference, diversity.
Transliteration:diaíresis
Pronunciation:dee-ah'-ee-res-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term διαίρεσις (G1243), transliterated as *diaíresis*, is derived from the verb διαιρέω (*diaireō*), which means "to divide," "to separate," or "to distribute." At its core, διαίρεσις refers to the act or result of division, not in a negative sense of schism, but rather as a process of differentiation or distribution.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Distinction:** A clear differentiation or mark of separation between various elements, indicating that they are not identical.
* **Variety/Diversity:** The existence of multiple kinds, forms, or manifestations within a larger whole, emphasizing manifoldness.
* **Distribution/Apportionment:** The act of allocating or assigning various parts or functions to different recipients or areas. In the biblical context, this often implies a divine apportionment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word διαίρεσις appears exclusively in the New Testament within Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically in chapter 12, where he discusses spiritual gifts and the unity of the body of Christ. Its three occurrences are:
* **[[1 Corinthians 12:4]]**: "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit." (διαίρεσις χαρισμάτων)
* Here, διαίρεσις refers to the manifold nature of the spiritual gifts (χαρίσματα) bestowed upon believers. Paul emphasizes that while the gifts themselves are varied (e.g., prophecy, teaching, healing), their ultimate source is the one and same Holy Spirit. This highlights the rich variety of divine empowerments within the church.
* **[[1 Corinthians 12:5]]**: "There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord." (διαίρεσις διακονιῶν)
* In this verse, διαίρεσις speaks to the variety of ministries or services (διακονίαι) within the church. Believers serve in different capacities and roles, yet all these diverse forms of service are directed by and for the same Lord Jesus Christ. This underscores the different functions members perform within the unified body.
* **[[1 Corinthians 12:6]]**: "And there are differences of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all." (διαίρεσις ἐνεργημάτων)
* Finally, διαίρεσις describes the diversity of "activities" or "effects" (ἐνεργήματα), referring to the various ways God's power operates through believers. Despite the many different outcomes and manifestations of divine power, the ultimate agent and source is the one and same God the Father.
Across these verses, Paul consistently uses διαίρεσις to affirm the **plurality and variety** of spiritual phenomena within the church, always immediately coupling it with a declaration of the **unity** of the Godhead (Spirit, Lord, God) as the singular source. This rhetorical strategy counters any potential misinterpretation that such diversity implies disunity or competition among believers. Instead, it frames diversity as an intentional and beneficial aspect of God's design for His church.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** διαιρέω (*diaireō*): The verbal root signifies "to divide," "to distribute," or "to differentiate." This underlies the meaning of διαίρεσις as the *result* or *state* of being divided into distinct parts, or the act of distribution.
* **Synonyms/Related Concepts:**
* ποικίλος (*poikílos*) `{{G4164}}`: Meaning "varied," "manifold," or "diverse." This adjective captures the essence of the diversity described by διαίρεσις.
* χάρισμα (*charisma*) `{{G5486}}`: "Gift," specifically spiritual gifts. διαίρεσις describes the *variety* of these gifts.
* διακονία (*diakonia*) `{{G1248}}`: "Ministry" or "service." διαίρεσις speaks to the *diversity* of these services.
* ἐνέργημα (*energēma*) `{{G1755}}`: "Operation," "working," or "effect." διαίρεσις refers to the *variety* of divine operations.
* **Contrasting Concepts:**
* ἑνότης (*henotēs*) `{{G1773}}`: "Unity" or "oneness." While διαίρεσις highlights diversity, it is consistently presented in 1 Corinthians 12 as existing *within* and contributing to ἑνότης, not opposing it.
* σχίσμα (*schisma*) `{{G4978}}`: "Division" or "schism." This term denotes a destructive split or rupture within a group (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 1:10]]). Paul explicitly uses διαίρεσις to describe God-ordained, beneficial variety, in contrast to the harmful, human-caused σχίσμα that plagued the Corinthian church.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διαίρεσις in 1 Corinthians 12 is profound, shaping our understanding of the church, spiritual gifts, and the nature of God:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Purposeful Diversity:** The consistent linking of διαίρεσις with "the same Spirit," "the same Lord," and "the same God" underscores that the diversity of gifts, ministries, and operations is not accidental or chaotic, but divinely ordained and purposeful. God, in His infinite wisdom, sovereignly distributes these varied endowments to His people for the common good ([[1 Corinthians 12:7]]).
* **Unity in Diversity within the Body of Christ:** διαίρεσις is foundational to Paul's metaphor of the church as the body of Christ. Just as a physical body has diverse members (eyes, ears, hands, feet) with distinct functions, so too does the spiritual body. This diversity is essential for the body's health, growth, and effective functioning. It promotes interdependence, where each member, regardless of their specific gift or role, is valued and necessary for the whole.
* **Rejection of Uniformity and Promotion of Interdependence:** Paul uses διαίρεσις to directly counter any tendency towards spiritual elitism, inferiority, or a desire for uniformity within the Corinthian church. True unity is not sameness, but the harmonious integration of distinct parts. Every believer has a unique contribution, and no single gift or ministry is superior to another. This fosters mutual respect and interdependence among believers.
* **Empowerment for Holistic Ministry:** The concept of διαίρεσις affirms that God equips His people in multifaceted ways to accomplish His will in the world. The church's mission requires a vast array of gifts and services, and διαίρεσις ensures that the necessary resources and abilities are distributed throughout the believing community, enabling a comprehensive and effective witness and service.
### Summary
The Greek word διαίρεσις (G1243), meaning "distinction," "variety," or "diversity," is a pivotal term in Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts in [[1 Corinthians 12:4-6]]. It consistently describes the manifold nature of spiritual gifts, ministries, and divine operations, yet always emphasizes their singular source in the unified Godhead (Spirit, Lord, God). Theologically, διαίρεσις highlights God's sovereign design for a diverse yet unified church, where various gifts and functions are divinely distributed for the common good of the body of Christ. It champions the principle of "unity in diversity," affirming that the church's strength lies not in uniformity, but in the harmonious interdependence of its uniquely gifted members, all working together under the direction of the one God.
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