from a derivative of δίς and στάσις; disunion, i.e. (figuratively) dissension:--division, sedition.
Transliteration:dichostasía
Pronunciation:dee-khos-tas-ee'-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word διχοστασία (dichostasía, `{{G1370}}`) is a compound term derived from δίς (dis), meaning "twice" or "two," and στάσις (stasis, `{{G4714}}`), meaning "a standing," "a stand," or "a party." Literally, it signifies "a standing apart," "a standing in two ways," or "a division into two parts." Figuratively, and as used in the New Testament, it denotes "disunion," "dissension," "discord," "strife," "factions," or "sedition." The core semantic range thus encompasses any act or state that breaks unity, creates division, or fosters contentious separation within a group, particularly within the community of believers. It carries a strong negative connotation, highlighting a destructive fracturing of fellowship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διχοστασία (dichostasía, `{{G1370}}`) appears in the New Testament primarily in Paul's epistles, where it consistently describes a negative and disruptive force within the early Christian communities.
1. **[[Romans 16:17]]**: Paul issues a stern warning to the Roman believers: "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them." Here, διχοστασία is paired with σκάνδαλα (skandala, "offenses" or "stumbling blocks"). The context is one of preserving doctrinal purity and communal harmony. Those who introduce διχοστασία are portrayed as actively undermining the established apostolic teaching and threatening the peace of the church. The imperative to "avoid them" underscores the serious nature of such divisions, implying a need for decisive action to protect the body of Christ from internal strife.
2. **[[Galatians 5:20]]**: In this pivotal passage, διχοστασία is explicitly listed among the "works of the flesh" (ἔργα τῆς σαρκός). Paul enumerates a catalogue of vices that stand in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit." The full list includes "idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, factions, envyings..." (ESV). The inclusion of διχοστασία alongside such grave sins as idolatry and sorcery, and in close proximity to ἔρις (eris, "strife") and αἵρεσις (hairesis, "factions" or "heresies"), highlights its profound spiritual opposition to God's will and the Spirit's work. It is not merely a minor disagreement but a manifestation of the fallen human nature that actively resists the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.
While some textual traditions include διχοστασίαι in [[1 Corinthians 3:3]], the most widely accepted critical Greek texts (e.g., NA28, UBS5) do not contain it there, preferring ζῆλος (zelos, "jealousy") and ἔρις (eris, "strife"). Therefore, the primary and undisputed occurrences are in Romans and Galatians, where the word consistently denotes harmful, sinful divisions within the Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of διχοστασία (dichostasía, `{{G1370}}`) is closely intertwined with several other Greek terms and theological concepts that describe disunity and conflict within the church:
* **στάσις (stasis, `{{G4714}}`)**: The root word, meaning "a standing," can also denote "dissension," "insurrection," or "rebellion." While διχοστασία specifically emphasizes a *two-way* division, στάσις can imply a broader state of unrest or factionalism.
* **ἔρις (eris, `{{G2054}}`)**: "Strife," "contention," or "quarrelling." This word often appears alongside διχοστασία (e.g., [[Romans 13:13]], [[1 Corinthians 1:11]], [[2 Corinthians 12:20]]), indicating that ἔρις often serves as the active, verbal manifestation of the underlying διχοστασία.
* **ζῆλος (zelos, `{{G2205}}`)**: "Jealousy" or "envy." Often a root cause of διχοστασία, as personal ambition or resentment can lead to the formation of factions ([[Romans 13:13]], [[1 Corinthians 3:3]]).
* **αἵρεσις (hairesis, `{{G139}}`)**: "Faction," "sect," or "heresy." This term can represent a more formalized or doctrinal form of division, often the culmination of unchecked διχοστασία. While διχοστασία describes the *act* or *state* of division, αἵρεσις can describe the *resultant group* or *erroneous doctrine* that causes the division.
* **σχίσμα (schisma, `{{G4978}}`)**: "Schism," "rent," or "division." Used in [[1 Corinthians 1:10]] and [[1 Corinthians 12:25]] to describe divisions within the church, particularly regarding the body of Christ. While σχίσμα can refer to any tear or split, διχοστασία often implies a more active, intentional creation of opposing parties.
* **ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia, `{{G179}}`)**: "Disorder," "confusion," "instability." Often the chaotic outcome of διχοστασία and ἔρις ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]], [[James 3:16]]).
These related terms collectively paint a picture of the various ways disunity manifests within the Christian community, with διχοστασία focusing on the active creation of opposing "standings" or parties.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of διχοστασία (dichostasía, `{{G1370}}`) is profound, as it strikes at the very heart of Christian fellowship and the nature of the church.
Firstly, διχοστασία stands in direct opposition to the **unity of the Spirit**, which believers are exhorted to maintain ([[Ephesians 4:3]]). The New Testament consistently emphasizes the organic unity of the body of Christ, where all members are interconnected and interdependent ([[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]). διχοστασία fractures this divine design, creating dismemberment and dysfunction.
Secondly, its classification as a "work of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:20]] reveals its **spiritual origin and consequence**. It is not merely a personality clash or a minor disagreement, but a manifestation of the unredeemed human nature (σάρξ) that resists the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Where the Spirit produces "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ([[Galatians 5:22-23]]), the flesh produces διχοστασία and its destructive counterparts. This underscores that divisions are not neutral; they are morally culpable and indicative of a lack of spiritual maturity and submission to Christ.
Thirdly, διχοστασία **hinders the church's witness and mission**. A divided church presents a fractured image of Christ to the world, undermining the message of reconciliation and peace that it is called to proclaim ([[John 13:35]], [[John 17:21]]). It diverts energy from evangelism and discipleship towards internal conflict, weakening the body's effectiveness.
Finally, the strong warnings against those who cause διχοστασία ([[Romans 16:17]]) highlight the **seriousness with which God views disunity**. Such individuals are not merely misguided but are seen as actively working against the "doctrine which you learned," implying a challenge to apostolic authority and sound teaching. The command to "avoid them" indicates that διχοστασία is a spiritual contagion that must be quarantined to preserve the health of the community. The ultimate antidote to διχοστασία is the cultivation of genuine love, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the truth of the gospel, which binds believers together in Christ.
### Summary
διχοστασία (dichostasía, `{{G1370}}`) fundamentally signifies "disunion" or "dissension," stemming from the idea of "standing apart" into two or more opposing factions. Biblically, it is consistently portrayed as a grave sin, explicitly listed among the "works of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:20]]. Paul warns against those who cause διχοστασία as a threat to sound doctrine and communal harmony, urging believers to avoid them ([[Romans 16:17]]). Theologically, διχοστασία directly opposes the unity of the Spirit, hinders the church's mission, and reveals a lack of spiritual maturity. It is a destructive force that undermines the very fabric of the Christian community, calling believers to actively pursue peace, love, and unity in Christ.
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