### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
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.
TRV