The Greek word schízō, represented by G4977, is a primary verb meaning to split or sever. It appears 11 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses both literal and figurative actions, including to break, divide, open, rend, or make a rent. This word is used to describe moments of sudden and often forceful separation.
In the biblical narrative, G4977 is used to mark events of great significance. Most notably, it describes the veil of the temple being rent from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death, an event recorded in three Gospels (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). In the same passage, the earth quaked and the rocks also rent Matthew 27:51. The word is also used figuratively to describe social and religious conflict, as when a city's multitude was divided over the apostles' teaching Acts 14:4, or when a dissension arose that divided the Pharisees and Sadducees Acts 23:7.
Several related words provide additional context for the concepts of division and separation:
- G1266 diamerízō (to partition thoroughly): This word is used in the same context as G4977 in the account of the crucifixion, where the soldiers parted Jesus' raiment rather than rending his tunic John 19:24.
- G4714 stásis (dissension, insurrection, uproar): This term often describes the cause of a figurative schism. In Acts, a dissension among the religious leaders led to the multitude being divided Acts 23:7.
- G4579 seíō (to rock, quake, shake): This verb is used in direct parallel with G4977 to describe the supernatural events at the crucifixion, where the earth did quake and the rocks rent Matthew 27:51.
The theological weight of G4977 is centered on moments of divine intervention and human conflict.
- Access and Revelation: The heavens being opened (schízō) at Jesus' baptism signifies a direct divine revelation Mark 1:10. The rending of the temple veil at His death is a similarly powerful moment, marking a profound shift Matthew 27:51.
- Physical and Spiritual Stress: The word is used to describe objects under immense stress, such as a net full of fish that was not broken John 21:11 or an old garment that would make a rent if patched with new cloth Luke 5:36.
- Divisive Power of Truth: The use of G4977 to describe a crowd or group being divided highlights how the introduction of apostolic teaching or a controversial subject can create sharp lines of separation within a community (Acts 14:4; Acts 23:7).
In summary, G4977 is a potent word that signifies a forceful splitting or severing. Whether describing the literal tearing of the temple veil and rocks, the opening of the heavens, or the figurative division of a crowd, schízō consistently points to moments of dramatic and decisive separation. It captures the physical and social ruptures that occur at pivotal points in the biblical narrative.
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