### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb χωρίζω (chōrízō, `{{G5563}}`) derives from the noun χώρα (chōra, `{{G5561}}`), meaning "place," "room," or "region." This etymological root immediately informs its core semantic range: to create space or distance between entities. Fundamentally, χωρίζω signifies "to place room between," hence "to part," "to separate," or "to divide." In its reflexive or passive forms, it means "to go away," "to depart," or "to be separated." The word implies a prior state of union, proximity, or potential for connection that is now being dissolved or prevented. Its application extends from literal physical separation to profound theological and relational divisions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
χωρίζω appears numerous times in the New Testament, with significant contextual nuances:
* **Marital Union:** Perhaps its most prominent and theologically charged use is in the Gospels concerning marriage. In [[Matthew 19:6]] and [[Mark 10:9]], Jesus declares, "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (μὴ χωριζέτω). Here, χωρίζω refers to human agency attempting to dissolve a divinely instituted union. This highlights the sacred and permanent nature of marriage as a covenant.
* **Physical Departure:** In the book of Acts, χωρίζω frequently denotes physical departure or separation from a place or person. For example, in [[Acts 1:4]], Jesus commands His disciples "not to depart" (μὴ χωρίζεσθαι) from Jerusalem before Pentecost. Similarly, [[Acts 18:1]] states that Paul "departed" (ἐχωρίσθη) from Athens. This usage is straightforward, indicating a change of location.
* **Unbreakable Divine Love:** The word attains its most profound theological depth in [[Romans 8:35]] and [[Romans 8:39]]. Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (τίς ἡμᾶς χωρίσει ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Χριστοῦ;). He then emphatically concludes that nothing "shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (οὐ δυνήσεται ἡμᾶς χωρίσαι ἀπὸ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ). Here, χωρίζω underscores the absolute security and unwavering nature of God's redemptive love for believers, a bond that no created thing or circumstance can sever.
* **Marital Separation (Pastoral Context):** In [[1 Corinthians 7:10-11]], Paul addresses the issue of marital separation within the Christian community. He commands that a wife "not depart" (μὴ χωρισθῆναι) from her husband, and vice-versa. However, in [[1 Corinthians 7:15]], he provides a concession for an unbelieving spouse who "departs" (χωρίζεται), allowing the believing spouse to be free from bondage in such a case. This demonstrates a nuanced application of the principle of non-separation in the face of difficult realities.
* **Christ's Purity:** In [[Hebrews 7:26]], the author describes Christ as "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (κεχωρισμένος ἀπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν). Here, χωρίζω denotes a moral and ontological distinction, emphasizing Christ's absolute purity and set-apartness, which is essential for His role as the perfect High Priest.
* **Temporary Separation for Purpose:** [[Philemon 1:15]] uses χωρίζω to describe Onesimus's temporary departure from Philemon, suggesting it was for a greater, divine purpose ("perhaps for this reason he departed for a while, that you might receive him forever").
### Related Words & Concepts
χωρίζω stands in semantic relation to several other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **Antonyms/Contrasts:** The most direct antonym, particularly in the context of marriage, is ζεύγνυμι (zeugnymi, `{{G2201}}`), meaning "to yoke together" or "to join." The concept of "union" or "unity" (e.g., ἑνότης, henotēs, `{{G1772}}`) is also antithetical to χωρίζω.
* **Synonyms (Partial Overlap):**
* ἀποχωρέω (apochōreō, `{{G672}}`): "to go away," "to depart." Often interchangeable with χωρίζω for physical movement.
* διαχωρίζω (diachōrizō, `{{G1245}}`): "to separate completely," "to divide asunder." A more emphatic form, though less common.
* ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, `{{G863}}`): "to send away," "to dismiss," "to permit to depart." Can overlap in contexts of leaving or divorce.
* **Thematic Connections:**
* **Covenant:** The idea of "separation" directly impacts the understanding of covenant, particularly in marriage where God establishes a bond that should not be broken.
* **Holiness/Sanctification:** The concept of being "separate from sinners" (Hebrews 7:26) aligns with the broader biblical theme of holiness (ἁγιασμός, hagiasmos, `{{G38}}`), which implies being set apart for God.
* **Soteriology:** The declaration in Romans 8 profoundly speaks to the security of salvation and the unbreakable nature of God's love, a core tenet of Christian soteriology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χωρίζω is profound, touching upon foundational doctrines:
* **The Sacredness of Marriage:** Jesus's teaching in the Gospels establishes marriage as a divine institution, a union so sacred that human beings are forbidden to "put asunder" (χωρίζω) what God has joined. This underscores the covenantal nature of marriage, reflecting God's own faithfulness and the indissolubility of the bond He creates. It sets a high standard for marital commitment and warns against the casual dissolution of marriage.
* **The Unbreakable Love of God:** The use of χωρίζω in [[Romans 8:35-39]] serves as one of the Bible's most powerful affirmations of God's unwavering love for His elect. The rhetorical question, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" anticipates a resounding "nothing." This passage provides immense comfort and assurance, declaring that no external force, internal struggle, or cosmic power can sever the bond between believers and God, established and secured by Christ's redemptive work. It speaks to the security of salvation and the eternal nature of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **The Purity and Distinctness of Christ:** In describing Christ as "separate from sinners" in [[Hebrews 7:26]], χωρίζω highlights His unique, undefiled nature. This ontological separation is crucial for His role as the perfect and sinless High Priest, able to offer a perfect sacrifice and mediate effectively between God and humanity. It underscores His divine holiness and moral impeccability, distinguishing Him from all others.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility:** While God joins, humans are forbidden to separate. This tension inherent in the word's usage in the marriage context reflects the interplay between divine sovereignty and human moral responsibility. In other contexts, like the allowance for separation in 1 Corinthians 7, it reveals the pastoral wisdom in navigating complex human situations within divine principles.
### Summary
χωρίζω (chōrízō, `{{G5563}}`) is a significant Greek verb in the New Testament, fundamentally meaning "to separate," "to part," or "to depart." Its semantic range encompasses physical movement, the dissolution of relationships, and profound theological distinctions.
Key applications of χωρίζω include:
* The divine prohibition against separating what God has joined in marriage, emphasizing its sacred and enduring nature ([[Matthew 19:6]], [[Mark 10:9]]).
* The triumphant declaration that nothing can separate believers from the steadfast love of God in Christ, underscoring the security of salvation ([[Romans 8:35]], [[Romans 8:39]]).
* The description of Christ's unique purity and moral distinctness from sinners, essential for His role as High Priest ([[Hebrews 7:26]]).
* Practical considerations for marital separation in a fallen world, as addressed by Paul ([[1 Corinthians 7:10-15]]).
* Simple physical departure in narrative contexts ([[Acts 1:4]], [[Acts 18:1]]).
In essence, χωρίζω consistently points to the creation or existence of a division, whether it be a physical distance, the breaking of a human bond, or the unassailable nature of a divine relationship. It is a word that carries considerable theological weight, illuminating biblical teachings on marriage, the character of God's love, and the unique person of Christ.
TRV