μερισμός (merismos)
merismos
division
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun merismos describes a division or partition, derived from the verb meaning "to divide." In Scripture, it carries two distinct senses depending on context. Most notably, Hebrews 4:12 uses it to describe the sharp separation between soul and spirit, highlighting an internal, profound cleaving that discerns the deepest parts of human nature.
In Hebrews 2:4, the word appears in the plural to refer to distributions or allocations of gifts. Here, it points to the varied ways divine power and signs are shared among people. The term captures both the act of splitting something apart and the resulting distinct portions that emerge from that separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word merismos points to a sharp division or partition. In Hebrews 4:12, it describes how God’s word cuts through our outer defenses to reach the deepest parts of who we are. This is not a destructive split but a precise separation between soul and spirit. It reveals that God sees us completely, knowing our thoughts and intentions without any hidden layers.
In Hebrews 2:4, the term shifts to describe how spiritual gifts are distributed among believers. Here, it highlights the variety of ways God shares His power and signs with His people. This division is not about exclusion but about allocation according to His will. Each person receives a unique portion of grace for the common good.
Understanding this word helps us see that God’s work in our lives is both deeply personal and communally shared. He knows our innermost selves, yet He also distributes gifts to build up the whole body. This dual action assures us that we are fully known and fully equipped for the role God has given us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- by distributions1×
- [the] division1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μερισμοῦ1×
- μερισμοῖς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
This verse uses merismos to describe the precise separation of soul and spirit, showing how God's word discerns the deepest parts of human nature.
-
Hebrews 2:4
God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?
Here the plural form refers to the distribution of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that these allocations come directly from God's will to confirm His message.