διχοστασία (dichostasia)
dichostasia
dissension
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun dichostasia describes a state of division or dissension, literally meaning "standing apart." Its root combines words for "two" and "to stand," painting a picture of parties separating from one another. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, specifically in Romans 16:17, Galatians 5:20, and 1 Corinthians (implied by context of Pauline letters, though sources list Rom/Gal primarily). The term captures not just disagreement, but a fractured community where unity has broken down.
Paul uses this word to identify serious threats within the church. In Galatians 5:20, he lists dichostasia among the "works of the flesh," placing it alongside idolatry and sorcery as behaviors that alienate believers from God’s kingdom. Similarly, in Romans 16:17, he warns against those who cause divisions, urging the church to avoid them. The word suggests a deliberate or structural splitting rather than mere temporary conflict.
Unlike simple disagreement, dichostasia implies a lasting rift. It is not just about differing opinions but about creating factions that undermine the body of Christ. This term highlights the seriousness Paul places on maintaining unity among believers, viewing division as a fundamental breach of Christian fellowship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dichostasia paints a clear picture of people standing apart, creating a split that fractures community. It is not merely a difference of opinion but a structural division that undermines the unity Christ intended for His church. When we see this pattern in our own relationships or congregations, it serves as a serious warning against allowing pride or selfish ambition to take root.
Paul identifies this behavior as one of the works of the flesh, placing it alongside idolatry and sorcery because it turns us away from God’s kingdom. It is a heavy charge, reminding us that unity is not optional for believers. Instead of building walls, we are called to bear with one another in love, seeking peace rather than causing strife.
May you find strength in the Spirit to bridge gaps and restore harmony. Let your life reflect the wholeness of Christ, who broke down dividing walls so that all might be one in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- divisions1×
- dissensions,1×
- dissensions1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διχοστασίαι,2×
- διχοστασίας1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 16:17
Now I beg you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.
Paul uses this term to identify specific individuals causing splits contrary to sound doctrine, urging the church to turn away from them.
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Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
The word appears in a list of fleshly behaviors that exclude people from inheriting the kingdom of God, highlighting its spiritual danger.
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I Corinthians 3:3
for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren’t you fleshly, and don’t you walk in the ways of men?
Paul links this division to jealousy and strife, showing it is evidence that believers are still walking in a fleshly manner.