Lexical Summary merismos: Division, distribution, apportionment Original Word: μερισμός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a division, distributionFrom merizo; a separation or distribution -- dividing asunder, gift. see GREEK merizo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3311 merismós (from 3307 /merízō) – properly, distribution. See 3307 (merizō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom merizó Definition a dividing, distribution NASB Translation division (1), gifts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3311: μερισμόςμερισμός, μερισμοῦ, ὁ (μερίζω), a division, partition (Plato, Polybius, Strabo, (others)); 1. a distribution; plural distributions of various kinds: πνεύματος ἁγίου, genitive of the object, Hebrews 2:4. 2. a separation: ἄχρι μερισμοῦ ψυχῆς καί πνεύματος, which many take actively: 'up to the dividing' i. e. so far as to cleave asunder or separate; but it is not easy to understand what the dividing of the 'soul' is. Hence, it is more correct, I think, and more in accordance with the context, to take the word passively (just as other verbal substantive ending in μος are used, e. g. ἁγιασμός, πειρασμός), and translate even to the division, etc., i. e. to that most hidden spot, the dividing line between soul and spirit, where the one passes into the other, Hebrews 4:12; (cf. Siegfried, Philo von Alex. as above with, p. 325f). Strong’s Greek 3311 occurs only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In Hebrews 2:4 it is rendered “gifts” or “distributions” of the Holy Spirit; in Hebrews 4:12 it denotes the “division” accomplished by the living and active word of God. Though the contexts differ—one addressing the Spirit’s outward bestowal of grace, the other the Word’s inward penetration—the underlying notion is the same: a purposeful apportioning that proceeds from God’s sovereign will. Contextual Usage in Hebrews 2:4 “God also bore witness to it by signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” Here the term underscores the divine initiative in granting spiritual endowments. The “gifts” are not random nor earned; they are measured out (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:11 “The same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills”). Hebrews places these distributions alongside signs, wonders, and miracles, highlighting that Spirit-given capacities constitute decisive testimony to the validity of the gospel message. This passage also echoes Old Testament scenes where God apportions His Spirit (Numbers 11:17, 25), thereby tying the New Covenant church to the heritage of Israel while revealing a fuller expression of the promised outpouring (Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:17-18). Contextual Usage in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The same root now depicts the discriminating power of Scripture. The Word does not merely inform; it separates, laying bare the inmost fabric of human existence. In depicting “joints and marrow,” the writer moves from the exterior to the interior of the body, illustrating how thoroughly God’s Word discerns. The “division” here is not destructive but diagnostic, enabling genuine repentance (Hebrews 4:13) and fostering restful confidence in the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty: Both passages ascribe the act of distribution or division to God, whether in imparting gifts or exposing the heart. Believers recognize that every ability and every conviction ultimately issues from His deliberate choice. Historical Background in Jewish Thought Second-Temple Judaism associated the Spirit with apportioned wisdom and prophetic empowerment (Wisdom of Solomon 7:7, 1 Enoch 49:3). Priestly portions of sacrifices (Leviticus 7:32-34) and the Levitical distribution of tithes (Numbers 18:8-11) provided cultural memory of God’s regulated allocation. The writer to the Hebrews draws upon this background, applying the familiar principle of divinely regulated portions to the New Covenant realities of Spirit gifting and scriptural discernment. Practical Applications in Ministry • Discernment of Gifts: Leaders are to recognize Spirit-distributed capacities within the body, encouraging varied service while avoiding envy or uniformity (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:7-12). Relationship to Other Biblical Concepts • Portion (Hebrew ḥēleq) and Lot (gōral): Old Testament language of inheritance complements the New Testament sense of divinely allotted grace (Joshua 13:6-7; Colossians 1:12). Concluding Reflection Strong’s 3311 presents a vivid picture of God’s meticulous oversight—apportioning gifts to empower witness and dividing hearts to expose need. Embracing both facets guards the church from self-reliance and shallow religiosity, leading instead to Spirit-enabled service and Word-shaped integrity. Englishman's Concordance Hebrews 2:4 N-DMPGRK: πνεύματος ἁγίου μερισμοῖς κατὰ τὴν NAS: miracles and by gifts of the Holy KJV: miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, INT: of [the] Spirit Holy distributions according to Hebrews 4:12 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3311 |
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