μερίς (meris)
meris
part
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun meris simply means a part or a portion of something larger. It appears in five New Testament verses, primarily in Luke and Acts, to describe distinct shares of land, inheritance, or experience. In Philippians 1:5, for instance, it refers to the partners who share in the gospel work, highlighting a specific segment of involvement rather than the whole.
Lexical sources note that while the word generally signifies any divided piece, it takes on a geographical sense in Acts 16:12. There it describes Philippi as a "first part" or leading district of Macedonia, showing how the term can denote a specific region within a broader territory. This usage aligns with its Old Testament Hebrew equivalent, chelek, which also carries the dual meaning of a physical portion and an allotted share.
The word’s force lies in its specificity. It does not describe an abstract fragment but a defined allotment. Whether referring to Mary’s chosen "good part" in Luke 10:42 or the distinct districts of a province, meris marks out what belongs to one group or place as separate from another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word meris reminds us that God assigns specific portions to each person. It is not about getting more than others, but receiving what is rightly yours. In Luke 10:42, Mary chose the good part, showing that this portion is often found in quiet devotion rather than busy activity.
This concept brings comfort when you feel overlooked or divided. Your share in Christ is secure and distinct. It is a defined allotment of grace that no one can take away. You do not need to envy the portions of others because your part is carefully chosen by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- share1×
- portion1×
- part [has]1×
- part1×
- district1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μερίδα2×
- μερὶς2×
- μερίδος1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 10:42
but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This verse uses meris to describe Mary's specific choice of devotion, highlighting that this portion is permanent and cannot be taken away.
-
Acts 8:21
You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God.
Peter uses the word to sharply distinguish Simon’s heart from the genuine spiritual share available in God's work.
-
II Corinthians 6:15
What agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
Paul employs meris here to emphasize the complete lack of shared portion or agreement between Christ and darkness.