Lexical Summary diaireó: To divide, distribute, separate Original Word: διαίρεω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance divide. From dia and haireomai; to separate, i.e. Distribute -- divide. see GREEK dia see GREEK haireomai HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1244 diairéō – properly, apportion (assign), by the choice of a superior; to divide (distribute). See 1243 (diairesis). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and haireó Definition to divide, to distribute NASB Translation distributing (1), divided...between (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1244: διαιρέωδιαιρέω, διαίρω; 2 aorist διεῖλον; 1. to divide into parts, to part, to tear, cleave or cut asunder, (Homer and subsequent writings; Genesis 15:10; 1 Kings 3:25). 2. to distribute: τί τίνι (Xenophon, Cyril 4, 5, 51; Hell. 3, 2, 10): Luke 15:12; 1 Corinthians 12:11; (Joshua 18:5; 1 Chronicles 23:6, etc.). Strong’s Greek 1244 appears in Luke 15:12 and 1 Corinthians 12:11. In both contexts the action involves the orderly allocation of something valuable—material possessions in the parable of the prodigal son and spiritual gifts within the church. The verb underlines an intentional, sovereign act of distribution rather than a random scattering. Contextual Analysis Luke 15:12 places the word on the lips of Jesus: “So he divided his estate between them.” The father’s action is deliberate, swift, and gracious—even in the face of the younger son’s dishonor. The division is complete; no hint is given that anything is withheld. The emphasis falls on the father’s freedom to allocate his wealth as he wills. Paul echoes that freedom when he writes, “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Here the Spirit’s sovereign distribution of gifts parallels the father’s apportionment of the inheritance. What earthly fathers may do on a temporal scale, the Spirit does eternally and perfectly, supplying every member of the body of Christ with exactly what is necessary for the common good. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty. Both passages present distribution as an act rooted in the will of the giver. The father and the Spirit illustrate that God alone determines both the timing and the proportion of His gifts. 2. Grace and Responsibility. In Luke 15, the inheritance is granted apart from the sons’ merit. In 1 Corinthians 12, gifts are bestowed not because believers earn them, but because the Spirit desires to equip the church. Recipients remain accountable for how they steward what is received. 3. Unity through Diversity. Paul employs the term within a chapter that stresses the harmonious functioning of diverse members. The same verb used for splitting an estate paradoxically upholds the oneness of the body by preventing uniformity and fostering mutual dependence. Historical Background By the first century, inheritance practices in Jewish culture generally favored the elder son with a double portion (Deuteronomy 21:17). A demand by a younger son for an early share, therefore, would shock the original hearers. Luke’s account amplifies the radical generosity of the father. In the Greco-Roman world addressed by Paul, distribution of goods or patronage often reinforced social status, but the Spirit’s distribution of gifts ignores such hierarchies, elevating the lowly and tempering the exalted (1 Corinthians 12:21-25). Applications for Ministry • Encourage Contentment: Believers should neither envy nor dismiss differing giftings. The same Spirit who apportions also empowers and sustains. Intercanonical Connections • Numbers 11:17—The LORD takes “some of the Spirit” on Moses and puts it on the seventy elders, prefiguring spiritual distribution. Practical Reflection Whenever believers witness the differing abilities, resources, and opportunities within the church, Strong’s 1244 invites them to rest in the wisdom of the Giver. His dividing never fragments the body; it equips and completes it. Englishman's Concordance Luke 15:12 V-AIA-3SGRK: ὁ δὲ διεῖλεν αὐτοῖς τὸν NAS: to me.' So he divided his wealth KJV: [to me]. And he divided unto them INT: And he divided between them the 1 Corinthians 12:11 V-PPA-NNS Strong's Greek 1244 |
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