σχίζω (schizō)
schizō
to split
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb schizō describes the physical act of splitting or rending something apart. It conveys a forceful division, such as tearing fabric or breaking open an object. In the Gospels, this word appears in vivid scenes where Jesus mends torn clothing by patching new cloth on old garments (Luke 5:36), and where the temple curtain is violently ripped from top to bottom at his death (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38). These instances highlight a sudden, decisive separation.
Beyond physical objects, schizō carries a metaphorical weight when applied to people or groups. In Acts, it describes the sharp division of opinion among crowds or religious leaders, such as the split between Pharisees and Sadducees (Acts 23:7). The word implies a fracture that creates distinct, often opposing, sides. Translators typically render it as "split," "tear," or "rend," depending on whether the subject is material or social.
Its etymology suggests a primary action of cleaving, which explains its consistent use for things that are forcibly divided rather than gently separated. The word appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels and Acts. It underscores moments of crisis or significant change, where unity is broken or barriers are removed.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word schizō describes a forceful splitting or tearing apart. In the Gospels, it appears in moments where barriers are removed or unity is broken. At Jesus’ death, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom, signaling that access to God was no longer restricted by a physical curtain. This act shows how Christ’s sacrifice opens a direct path for believers.
Yet this word also warns against division within communities. In Acts, it describes crowds splitting into opposing sides, highlighting how disagreement can fracture relationships. Similarly, Jesus used the image of tearing new cloth on old garments to illustrate that His new way cannot be forced into old religious structures without causing damage. These scenes remind us that while God removes barriers to Himself, He calls His people to preserve unity.
Understanding schizō helps us see the weight of division and the value of reconciliation. It invites reflection on where we might be tearing apart what should remain whole, or where God is inviting us to step into a new openness with Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was torn4×
- will tear,1×
- were split,1×
- was divided1×
- tearing open1×
- let us tear up1×
- having torn1×
- Was divided1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσχίσθη6×
- ἐσχίσθησαν,1×
- σχίσωμεν1×
- σχίσει,1×
- σχίσας1×
- σχιζομένους1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 27:51
Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.
This verse records the temple veil being torn in two at Jesus' death, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
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Acts 23:7
When he had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.
Here the word describes how the crowd was divided between Pharisees and Sadducees, showing its use for social or political fragmentation.
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Luke 5:36
He also told a parable to them. “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else he will tear the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old.
Jesus uses this term in a parable to explain that new spiritual realities cannot be patched onto old religious forms without causing further damage.