from μερίζω; a separation or distribution:--dividing asunder, gift.
Transliteration:merismós
Pronunciation:mer-is-mos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μερισμός (merismós) `{{G3311}}` is derived from the verb μερίζω (merizō) `{{G3307}}`, meaning "to divide," "to separate," or "to distribute." Consequently, μερισμός carries a dual semantic range reflecting the action or result of its root verb. It can denote:
1. **Separation or Division:** The act of partitioning something into distinct parts, or the resulting state of being separated. This implies a sharp distinction or a cleaving apart.
2. **Distribution or Apportionment:** The act of giving out portions or shares, or the resulting allotment. This sense often implies a deliberate and ordered assignment.
The English translations "dividing asunder" and "gift" capture these two primary nuances, with "gift" specifically referring to a divine distribution.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μερισμός occurs twice in the New Testament, both times within the book of Hebrews, and each instance highlights a distinct aspect of its semantic range:
* **[[Hebrews 2:4]]**: "God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles, and by **gifts** (μερισμός) of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will."
* Here, μερισμός clearly refers to the *distribution* or *allotment* of spiritual endowments. The context is God's attestation to the truth of the gospel message, confirmed by supernatural manifestations and the sovereign *apportionment* of the Holy Spirit's power and abilities. The emphasis is on divine volition ("according to his own will") in bestowing these spiritual "gifts." These are not earned but are divinely dispensed.
* **[[Hebrews 4:12]]**: "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the **division** (μερισμός) of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
* In this passage, μερισμός signifies a profound *separation* or *discernment*. The Word of God is portrayed as an incisive instrument, capable of penetrating the deepest, most intricate aspects of human existence—even distinguishing between soul and spirit, or joints and marrow, which are normally considered indivisible. This "dividing asunder" is not destructive but revelatory, exposing and judging the innermost thoughts and intentions of the heart. It underscores the Word's power to reveal truth and expose hidden motives.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of μερισμός is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **Root Verb:** μερίζω (merizō) `{{G3307}}`: The foundational verb from which μερισμός is derived. It means "to divide," "to separate," or "to distribute." Examples include Jesus dividing the loaves for distribution ([[Matthew 14:19]]) or the concept of a house divided against itself ([[Matthew 12:25]]).
* **Related Nouns:**
* μέρος (meros) `{{G3313}}`: "a part," "a share," "a portion." This noun often denotes the *result* of a division.
* μερίς (meris) `{{G3310}}`: "a part," "a portion," "a share," often with the connotation of an allotted portion or inheritance.
* **Conceptual Links:**
* **Discernment:** Especially evident in [[Hebrews 4:12]], μερισμός implies a divine capacity for acute perception and distinction, akin to the spiritual gift of discernment (διάκρισις `{{G1253}}`).
* **Spiritual Gifts (χάρισμα `{{G5486}}`):** In [[Hebrews 2:4]], μερισμός is directly linked to the charismata, the gracious endowments given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the church and the confirmation of the gospel.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The distribution of gifts "according to his own will" in [[Hebrews 2:4]] highlights God's absolute authority and purposeful design in the apportionment of His blessings and power.
### Theological Significance
The two occurrences of μερισμός in Hebrews offer profound theological insights into God's active engagement with humanity:
* **The Incisive Power of God's Word:** [[Hebrews 4:12]] presents the Word of God as a living, active, and penetrating force. Its "division" of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, signifies its unparalleled ability to reach the deepest, most hidden aspects of human existence. This is not a destructive act but a revelatory and discerning one, exposing the true nature of thoughts and intentions. It underscores the Word's role as a divine surgeon, capable of separating truth from deception, even within the complex inner landscape of the human heart, leading to self-awareness and accountability before God.
* **The Sovereign Distribution of the Holy Spirit's Gifts:** [[Hebrews 2:4]] emphasizes the Holy Spirit as the divine agent in the purposeful "distribution" of spiritual endowments. These "gifts" (μερισμός) are not merely human talents but divine attestations, sovereignly bestowed by God to confirm the authenticity of the gospel message and to empower believers for ministry. They are tangible demonstrations of God's active presence and His validation of the redemptive work accomplished through Christ. The term highlights the deliberate and ordered nature of these divine empowerments, given not by human merit but by divine will.
In essence, μερισμός illuminates distinct yet complementary aspects of God's divine economy: His revelatory power through His Word and His empowering presence through His Spirit, both operating with precision and purpose for the advancement of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek term μερισμός (merismós) `{{G3311}}`, derived from the verb μερίζω (merizō) `{{G3307}}` ("to divide," "to distribute"), encompasses the semantic range of both "separation/division" and "distribution/apportionment." Its two occurrences in the book of Hebrews beautifully illustrate this duality. In [[Hebrews 2:4]], μερισμός refers to the sovereign "distribution" of spiritual "gifts" by the Holy Spirit, serving as divine confirmation of the Gospel. Conversely, in [[Hebrews 4:12]], it describes the profound, penetrating "division" or "discernment" effected by the living Word of God, which is capable of exposing the innermost thoughts and intentions of the human heart. Thus, μερισμός speaks to both the active, discerning power of God's Word and the intentional, empowering work of the Holy Spirit within the divine economy of salvation.
TRV