### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μερίς (merís, `{{G3310}}`) is a feminine noun derived from μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`), which signifies a "part" or "share." As a feminine form, μερίς often emphasizes a specific, designated portion, allotment, or inheritance. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing:
* A literal "part" or "piece" of a whole.
* An assigned "share," "portion," or "allotment," particularly in the context of inheritance or distribution.
* A "province" or "region," denoting a geographical division or segment of territory.
* Abstractly, "participation" or "fellowship" in an activity, blessing, or spiritual reality.
The base definition highlights its use in contexts of division and distribution, often implying a specific segment set apart for someone or something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μερίς appears in the New Testament with significant theological weight:
* In [[Acts 8:21]], Peter confronts Simon the sorcerer, declaring, "You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God." Here, μερίς (part) is coupled with κλῆρος (lot, `{{G2819}}`), emphasizing Simon's complete lack of spiritual participation or inheritance in the divine work of the Holy Spirit. It underscores a spiritual exclusion due to an unrighteous heart.
* [[Colossians 1:12]] states, "giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." In this context, μερίς clearly refers to the "portion" or "allotment" that believers receive as an inheritance from God. This share is not earned but is a gracious gift, made possible by the Father's divine qualification, allowing believers to participate in the spiritual legacy of God's holy people.
* Most strikingly, [[Revelation 20:6]] declares, "Blessed and holy is the one who has a share in the first resurrection; over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years." Here, μερίς signifies a divinely granted "share" in the first resurrection, which is a mark of profound blessedness and holiness. This portion guarantees exemption from the "second death" and secures an eternal, priestly, and kingly role with Christ.
Across these occurrences, μερίς consistently moves beyond a purely material division to denote a spiritual or eschatological portion, highlighting divine allocation, either in terms of inclusion or exclusion from God's redemptive purposes.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μέρος (meros, `{{G3313}}`)**: The root word for μερίς, meaning "part" or "share." μερίς often implies a more specific or designated portion than its broader root.
* **κληρονομία (kleronomia, `{{G2817}}`)**: "Inheritance." This concept is closely aligned with μερίς, particularly in [[Colossians 1:12]], where the "share" is explicitly described as an "inheritance."
* **κλῆρος (kleros, `{{G2819}}`)**: "Lot," "portion," "inheritance." Used alongside μερίς in [[Acts 8:21]], indicating a strong semantic overlap concerning an allotted share or destiny.
* **μερίζω (merizo, `{{G3307}}`)**: The verb "to divide," "to distribute," "to apportion." This verb describes the action of creating a μερίς.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The Old Testament concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה - nachalah, `{{H5159}}`), particularly the division of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel, provides a rich backdrop. Significantly, the tribe of Levi had no land inheritance but instead had the Lord Himself as their μερίς (portion), as seen in passages like [[Deuteronomy 10:9]] and [[Joshua 13:33]], foreshadowing the spiritual nature of the New Testament μερίς.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μερίς is profound, underscoring several key biblical doctrines:
* **Divine Allotment and Grace**: The term emphasizes that believers receive their "portion" from God as a gracious gift, not through personal merit. The Father "qualifies" them for this share ([[Colossians 1:12]]), highlighting divine initiative and sovereign election in salvation.
* **Spiritual Inheritance and Participation**: μερίς elevates the concept of a "portion" from mere material possession to a spiritual inheritance. This includes participation in the blessings of the saints, the promise of the resurrection, and eternal life with God. It speaks to a deep, intimate fellowship with the divine.
* **Exclusivity and Distinction**: The usage in contexts like [[Acts 8:21]] and [[Revelation 20:6]] draws a clear line of demarcation. To have "no part" signifies spiritual alienation from God's redemptive work, while having a "share" in the first resurrection marks one as blessed, holy, and eternally secure, distinct from those who face the "second death."
* **Eschatological Hope and Security**: In [[Revelation 20:6]], μερίς points to a glorious future. A "share in the first resurrection" guarantees victory over death and a secure, eternal reign with Christ, providing immense hope and assurance for believers.
### Summary
The Greek word μερίς (merís, `{{G3310}}`) denotes a "portion," "share," or "allotment," carrying the weight of a divinely designated or inherited part. While rooted in the concept of physical division, its New Testament occurrences consistently elevate its meaning to profound spiritual and eschatological realities. From marking spiritual exclusion in [[Acts 8:21]] to signifying the gracious "inheritance" of the saints in [[Colossians 1:12]], μερίς culminates in the glorious promise of a "share" in the first resurrection in [[Revelation 20:6]]. This "portion" is a testament to God's sovereign grace, securing for believers not only a spiritual legacy but also an eternal destiny of blessedness, holiness, and reigning with Christ, forever exempt from the power of the second death. μερίς thus encapsulates the essence of divine provision and the secure, sacred participation of the redeemed in God's eternal plan.
TRV