διαίρεσις (diairesis)
diairesis
variety
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun diairesis refers to a distinction or difference that arises from how something is divided and distributed. It does not describe conflict or schism, but rather the specific variation found when a single source provides different gifts or roles to different people. The word appears only three times in the New Testament, all within Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.
In chapters 12 through 13, Paul uses this term to explain the diversity of spiritual gifts, ministries, and activities among believers. He argues that while these differences are real, they originate from the same Spirit, Lord, and God. The word highlights that variety is not a sign of division but a feature of divine distribution.
Its root relates to separating or allotting parts. By using diairesis, Paul emphasizes that the distinct roles within the church are intentional allocations rather than random accidents. This perspective frames diversity as an organized outcome of grace, where each person receives a specific share for the common good.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diairesis describes the specific variety found when a single source provides different gifts or roles to different people. It does not describe conflict or schism, but rather the distinct variation that arises from how something is divided and distributed. Paul uses this term in 1 Corinthians to explain that diversity within the church is an intentional allocation of grace, not a random accident.
When you encounter differences in how others serve or express their faith, remember that these variations originate from the same Spirit, Lord, and God. This perspective frames diversity as an organized outcome of divine distribution, where each person receives a specific share for the common good. Your unique role is not a mistake but a deliberate part of the whole.
This understanding invites you to value the distinct contributions of others without feeling that your own path is lesser. The church thrives when we recognize that our differences are features of God's design, intended to reflect His multifaceted wisdom. May you find peace in knowing that your specific gift is exactly where it needs to be for the benefit of all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- varieties2×
- Varieties1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαιρέσεις3×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:4
Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
Paul uses diairesis here to show that while gifts vary, they all originate from the same Spirit, establishing unity in diversity.
-
I Corinthians 12:5
There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
The term highlights that different forms of service are intentional allocations under the authority of one Lord, not chaotic independence.
-
I Corinthians 12:6
There are various kinds of workings, but the same God who works all things in all.
Paul applies diairesis to workings to emphasize that God actively works all things in all people, making variety a feature of divine activity.