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σχίσμα

schísma

G4978 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σχίζ- to split, to separate, to cleave

Definition

A split, division, or separation resulting from a rupture within a group, object, or entity; primarily denotes a physical or metaphorical tear or rift. In literary and metaphoric usage, refers to factions or dissensions within a group, especially religious or social communities. The term emphasizes the act or result of splitting rather than the process.

Semantic Range

split, tear, fissure, rent (physical); division, schism, dissension, rift (social or metaphorical); separation within a group

Root / Etymology

From the root σχίζω ('to split, to cleave, to rend'). σχίσμα is the nominal form, indicating the result or state of being split.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Earliest attestation in classical Greek carries a literal sense of physical tearing, as in the splitting of a garment or material (e.g., Herodotus, Aristophanes). By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term is frequently used metaphorically for divisions within social or religious groups, as in the Septuagint (Leviticus 21:20, describing a physical split) and the New Testament (e.g., John 7:43, 9:16, 1 Corinthians 1:10). In the New Testament, σχίσμα often refers to divisions or factionalism within the early assemblies. English translations sometimes narrow the sense to 'schism' (suggesting organized separation), but in Greek the range may include any kind of division—from interpersonal discord to community fragmentation. It does not necessarily carry the later ecclesiastical connotation of formal, institutional separation (as in later church history). Related terms include διχοστασία (division, dissension) and αἵρεσις (faction, sect), with σχίσμα focusing on the act/result of dividing or breaking apart rather than group allegiance or doctrine.

Translation Consistency

primary "division" 4 occurrences

"Division" is the most natural, widely understood English term that covers both physical separations and social/factional breaks. It matches the typical theological and everyday use of σχίσμα without being overly technical (like "schism") and fits the majority of attested renderings.

Alternatives (4 occurrences):
"rifts" (2x) "split" (1x) "tear" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σχίζω; a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively:--division, rent, schism.

Root Family

σχίσμα (schisma) — split, tear, rift, division, separation

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4978-01 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG division a split a division 6
G4978-02 σχίσματα schismata N NOM N PL divisions rifts rifts 2

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4978-01 Matthew 9:16 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG tear a split split
G4978-01 Mark 2:21 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG tear a split tear
G4978-01 John 7:43 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG division a split a division
G4978-01 John 9:16 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG division a split a division
G4978-01 John 10:19 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG division a split a division
G4978-02 1 Corinthians 1:10 σχίσματα schismata N NOM N PL divisions rifts rifts
G4978-02 1 Corinthians 11:18 σχίσματα schismata N ACC N PL divisions rifts rifts
G4978-01 1 Corinthians 12:25 σχίσμα schisma N NOM N SG division a split a division
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