Word Study for G1266 (διαμερίζω)

diamerízō /dee-am-er-id'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom διά and μερίζω

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

KJV usagecloven, divide, part.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of diamerízō — 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 diamerízō, represented by G1266, means to partition thoroughly. Derived from διά and μερίζω, its definition encompasses both literal distribution and figurative dissension. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible, used to describe actions ranging from dividing property to the spiritual division that causes strife.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical usage, G1266 carries two primary meanings. The first is a literal act of distribution. This is most famously seen at the crucifixion, where soldiers parted Jesus's garments and cast lots for them (Luke 23:34, Matthew 27:35). In a different context, the early church parted their possessions and goods to all who had need, demonstrating communal sharing Acts 2:45. The second meaning is one of figurative dissension. Jesus warns that "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation" Luke 11:17 and that his message would cause households to be divided Luke 12:52-53. A unique application of the word is found in the description of "cloven" tongues of fire at Pentecost Acts 2:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the concept of division and its outcomes:

G2049 erēmóō (to lay waste, make desolate): This word describes the direct consequence of the dissension implied by G1266. A kingdom divided G1266 is brought to desolation G2049 Luke 11:17.
G2819 klēros (heritage, inheritance, lot, part): This term is often used to describe the method by which something is divided. The soldiers parted G1266 Jesus's raiment by casting lots G2819 Luke 23:34.
G4977 schízō (to split or sever): This word for rending is presented as an alternative to dividing. The soldiers decided not to rend Jesus's garment but instead to part G1266 it by casting lots John 19:24.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1266 is significant and multifaceted.

Fulfillment of Prophecy: The act of the soldiers parting Jesus's garments is explicitly identified as the fulfillment of scripture (Matthew 27:35, John 19:24), underscoring the divine sovereignty over the events of the crucifixion.
The Destructive Nature of Dissension: Jesus's teachings use G1266 to illustrate a core principle: division leads to ruin. This applies to kingdoms, cities, and even Satan's own domain Luke 11:17-18, highlighting the inherent weakness in disunity.
Familial and Social Strife: The word is used to describe the painful social and familial divisions that would result from following Christ, where loyalties would be tested and households set against one another Luke 12:53.
Divine Empowerment: In a contrasting, positive sense, the "cloven" tongues at Pentecost represent a divine distribution of the Holy Spirit, equipping the apostles for ministry rather than causing destructive conflict Acts 2:3.

Summary

In summary, G1266 is a powerful word that illustrates the concept of partitioning in both its positive and negative forms. It can signify the charitable distribution of goods Acts 2:45 or the divine distribution of spiritual gifts Acts 2:3. More frequently, however, it serves as a stark warning about the destructive consequences of dissension, whether within a kingdom, a home, or a spiritual entity, a theme that is central to the scriptural call for unity.

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 12 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 3×
Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
Future Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Present Middle Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Participle Nominative Plural Feminine 1×
Present Middle Or Passive Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine 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.
Imperfect: Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Middle Or Passive: Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

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 11 verses across 5 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (6 verses); never once in the other 22.

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

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.