μέρος (meros)
meros
part
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 40 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun meros simply means a part, share, or portion. It appears forty times in the New Testament, often describing physical divisions such as the regions of a province (Matthew 2:22) or the pieces of Jesus’ garment (John 19:23). The word is also used for abstract shares, like the destiny assigned to individuals (Luke 12:46) or the specific role within a larger body (Ephesians 4:16).
Its root idea comes from meiromai, "to get as an allotment." This connection gives the word a sense of something distributed rather than random. In Paul’s letters, this nuance is vital when discussing spiritual gifts or partial knowledge (1 Corinthians 13:9). The sources note that meros can also mean "in respect to" or "in this regard" (2 Corinthians 3:10), shifting from a physical piece to a logical category.
Translators render meros variously as part, portion, side, or coast depending on context. In Revelation 22:19, it refers to the share of life one receives. The word consistently points to a distinct segment within a greater whole, whether that whole is a territory, a community, or a divine plan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word meros simply means a part or a share. It reminds us that while we are distinct individuals, we belong to a larger whole. In John 13:8, Jesus tells Peter that without Him, he has no part with Him. This highlights that our connection to Christ is the foundation of everything else.
We often worry about our place in the world or the church. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 12 that we are members of one body. Each person has a specific role. Your contribution matters, not because it is big, but because it is yours. God has given you a share in His work.
Even when knowledge feels incomplete, as Paul notes in 1 Corinthians 13, we can trust the One who holds the whole picture. You are never an accident or an afterthought. Your part in God’s story is intentional and valued. Rest in that truth today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 40 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- part13×
- district4×
- portion2×
- place2×
- parts,2×
- parts2×
- turn;1×
- side1×
- respect1×
- regions1×
- regard1×
- party1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μέρος13×
- μέρους9×
- μέρη9×
- μέρει3×
- μέρους,2×
- μέρη,2×
- μέρους.1×
- μέρος·1×
- μέρος.1×
- μέρος,1×
Key Verses
-
John 13:8
Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”
This verse uses meros to define the essential spiritual union between Jesus and His followers, showing that sharing in His life is non-negotiable.
-
Luke 15:12
The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of your property.’ So he divided his livelihood between them.
The younger son demands his share of the inheritance, using meros to claim a portion of wealth that separates him from his family's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word meros mean?
How is meros used in the New Testament?
Why is meros important in 1 Corinthians 12?
Every Occurrence (40 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 4 verses
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there.…
Matthew 15:21Jesus went out from there and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Matthew 16:13Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the…
Matthew 24:51and will cut him in pieces and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. That is where the weeping and grinding of teeth…