μερισμός
merismós
G3311 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A division, partitioning, or process/result of apportioning; the act or result of dividing, distributing, or assigning portions, whether conceptually (e.g., dividing thoughts or spirits), physically (e.g., the dividing of possessions), or abstractly (allocations, settings apart). In some contexts may refer to the portion, share, or allotment itself, especially as a 'distribution' or what is apportioned to someone.
Semantic Range
division, act of dividing, partition, distribution, apportionment, share, what is apportioned, separation (abstract or concrete)
Root / Etymology
From the verb μερίζω ('to divide, to apportion, to distribute'), itself derived from the noun μέρος ('part, portion'). Functions as an abstract noun of action or result: 'the act/result of dividing.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μερισμός was used to describe both physical and conceptual division—e.g., the partition of territory or categories in philosophical discourse. In the Koine period, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, the term remains relatively rare, appearing with the sense of an act of dividing or an assigned portion. Notably in Hebrews 4:12 it refers to a metaphorical, sharp division—'the division between soul and spirit,' emphasizing the thoroughness of God's discernment. The translation 'gift' in some English traditions reflects the idea of an allotted portion (as what is given/distributed), but this is contextually determined and not the primary sense. The term should be distinguished from δόσις ('gift', as an act of giving) and μοῖρα/μέρος ('part, share'), emphasizing the act/result of dividing or what is apportioned as a share. English translations that render μερισμός as 'dividing asunder' or 'division' do not always capture the full semantic nuance, particularly in contexts involving abstract or spiritual realities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μερίζω; a separation or distribution:--dividing asunder, gift.
Root Family
μερίζ- (mérimna) — to divide, to distribute, to separate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3308 | μέριμνα | divided concern |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3311-01 |
μερισμοῖς | merismois | N DAT M PL |
gifts | to distributions | by means of distributions | 1 |
G3311-02 |
μερισμοῦ | merismou | N GEN M SG |
division | of division | division | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3311-01 |
Hebrews 2:4 | μερισμοῖς | merismois | N DAT M PL |
gifts | to distributions | by means of distributions |
G3311-02 |
Hebrews 4:12 | μερισμοῦ | merismou | N GEN M SG |
division | of division | division |