μερίζω (merizō)
merizō
to divide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb merizō means to divide or separate something into parts. In the New Testament, it describes both physical division and social fragmentation. Jesus uses this word to illustrate that a kingdom or household torn by internal conflict cannot stand, as seen in Matthew 12:25-26 where he argues against Satan being divided against himself.
It also carries the sense of distributing resources among people. This appears when Jesus distributes loaves and fishes to the crowd in Mark 6:41, or when Paul speaks of God assigning each person their portion of faith in Romans 12:3. The word emphasizes distinct allocation rather than mere separation.
Its root relates to "meros," meaning a part or share. This connection highlights how division creates separate portions. When Paul warns against factionalism in 1 Corinthians 1:13, he asks if Christ is divided, using merizō to show that such splitting contradicts the unity of the body. The term thus captures both the act of dividing and the resulting distinct segments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merizō reminds us that division often leads to collapse, while careful distribution builds up community. Jesus used this term to show that a house split against itself cannot stand, highlighting the danger of internal conflict in our relationships and churches. When we allow pride or misunderstanding to separate us, we weaken the very bonds meant to hold us together.
Yet this word also carries a gentle meaning of sharing. In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus divided the fish among the crowd, ensuring everyone received their portion. This act shows that God’s provision is not hoarded but shared out with care. We are invited to reflect this same generosity, giving what we have to meet the needs around us.
Paul later used this concept to explain how God gives each person a measure of faith. It is not about keeping spiritual gifts for ourselves, but recognising that every believer receives something unique to contribute. This perspective helps us value others more highly than ourselves, fostering unity rather than division in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shall be divided,2×
- having been divided2×
- has assigned2×
- was divided,1×
- to divide1×
- he is divided;1×
- has he been divided.1×
- has allotted1×
- apportioned1×
- He divided1×
- Has been divided1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμέρισεν5×
- μερισθῇ,2×
- μερισθεῖσα2×
- ἐμερίσθη·1×
- ἐμερίσθη,1×
- μερίσασθαι1×
- μεμέρισται.1×
- μεμέρισται1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:25
Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.
Jesus uses this term to demonstrate that internal conflict destroys any kingdom or household, establishing a principle of unity.
-
Mark 6:41
He took the five loaves and the two fish; and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves, and he gave to his disciples to set before them, and he divided the two fish among them all.
The word describes the physical act of distributing food, showing how divine provision is shared among many people.
-
Romans 12:3
For I say through the grace that was given me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
Paul applies this concept to spiritual gifts, explaining that God assigns each person a specific measure of faith to use.
-
I Corinthians 1:13
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paul?
The rhetorical question challenges believers by asking if Christ himself has been split into factions through human allegiance.