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G1266

διαμερίζω

diamerízō /dee-am-er-id'-zo/ Ask about this word
from διά and μερίζω
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
cloven, 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. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it. These are this word’s own inflections, not words built from it — for those, see Related Words.

  • διεμερίσαντο
  • διαμερίσατε
  • διεμερίσθη
  • διαμερισθεῖσα
  • διαμερισθήσονται
  • διεμέριζον
  • διαμεμερισμένοι
  • διαμερίζονται
  • διαμεριζόμεναι
  • διαμεριζόμενοι

Related Words

Related

1 entry in Strong’s name this word as its origin. These are its derivatives — a different relationship from the inflected forms above, which are this same word bent by grammar.

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.

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.

1
Matthew
1
Mark
6
Luke
1
John
2
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, by grammatical form, 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.