English · KJV
G1244

διαιρέω

diairéō /dee-ahee-reh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom διά and αἱρέομαι
Meaningto separate, i.e. distribute
KJV usagedivide.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of diairéō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word diairéō, represented by G1244, is defined as to separate or distribute. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from διά and αἱρέομαι, its core meaning is to divide something and apportion it among recipients.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G1244 is applied in two distinct contexts: one material and one spiritual. In the parable of the prodigal son, the younger son asks his father for his inheritance, and the father "divided unto them his living" Luke 15:12. Here, the word refers to the distribution of physical property. In a theological context, Paul uses the word to describe how the Holy Spirit dispenses spiritual gifts, "dividing to every man severally as he will" 1 Corinthians 12:11, highlighting a deliberate and sovereign apportionment.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the act of dividing:

  • G3313 méros (a division or share...portion...): This word is used by the son in Luke 15:12 when he requests the "portion" of goods, which directly prompts the father's action of dividing the estate.
  • G1911 epibállō (to throw upon...fall, lay on...): This term describes the share that "falleth" to the son, setting the stage for the division of property in Luke 15:12.
  • G1754 energéō (to be active, efficient...work...): In 1 Corinthians 12:11, the Spirit who is "dividing" the gifts is the same one who "worketh" all things, linking the divine power to the act of distribution.

Theological Significance

The uses of G1244 highlight principles of distribution and sovereignty.

  • Distribution of Inheritance: The word's use in Luke 15:12 establishes a clear picture of dividing a physical inheritance, an action initiated by a request for a rightful share.
  • Sovereign Spiritual Apportionment: Theologically, its appearance in 1 Corinthians 12:11 is crucial. It shows that spiritual gifts are not earned but are distributed intentionally by the Holy Spirit according to His own will, emphasizing divine authority in the church.

Summary

In summary, G1244 is a precise term for division and distribution. While its occurrences are few, they powerfully illustrate the concept in both the human and divine spheres. It encompasses the division of a father's material wealth to his children and, more significantly, the sovereign distribution of the Spirit's gifts to the body of Christ.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 2 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

  • 2nd Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G3313 μέρος from an obsolete but more primary form of (to get as a section or allotment); a division or share (literally or figurat G1911 ἐπιβάλλω from ἐπί and βάλλω; to throw upon (literal or figurative, transitive or reflexive; usually with more or less force); spe G1754 ἐνεργέω from ἐνεργής; to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually i

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke and 1 Corinthians (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1
Luke
1
1 Corinthians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.