3311. merismos

Lexicon

merismos: Division, distribution, apportionment

Original Word: μερισμός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: merismos
Pronunciation: mer-is-MOS
Phonetic Spelling: (mer-is-mos')
Definition: Division, distribution, apportionment
Meaning: (a) a distributing, a distribution, (b) a parting, dividing, severance, separation.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a division, distribution

From 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 Origin
from merizó
Definition
a dividing, distribution
NASB Translation
division (1), gifts (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3311: μερισμός

μερισμός, 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).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb μερίζω (merizō), meaning "to divide" or "to apportion."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for μερισμός, the concept of division or separation can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as:

• H2505 (חָלַק, chalaq): To divide, share, or apportion.
• H6385 (פָּרַד, parad): To separate or divide.
• H6504 (פָּרַס, paras): To break or divide.

These Hebrew terms reflect similar ideas of division and distribution found in the Old Testament, often in contexts of inheritance, land distribution, or separation of people and things.

Usage: The term μερισμός is used in the New Testament to describe the act of dividing or the state of being divided. It can refer to both physical and metaphorical divisions.

Context: The Greek term μερισμός appears in the New Testament, specifically in the context of spiritual discernment and the division of soul and spirit. It is found in Hebrews 4:12, which states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (BSB). Here, μερισμός is used to illustrate the penetrating and discerning power of God's word, which can separate and reveal the innermost parts of a person.

The concept of μερισμός in this passage emphasizes the precision and depth of divine insight, capable of distinguishing between the immaterial aspects of human existence—soul and spirit—as well as the physical—joints and marrow. This division is not merely a separation but an analytical discernment that reveals the true nature and intentions of the heart.

In a broader theological context, μερισμός can be understood as the process by which God discerns and judges the moral and spiritual state of individuals. It underscores the belief in the transformative and revealing power of Scripture, which acts as a tool for spiritual growth and moral clarity.

Forms and Transliterations

μερισμοις μερισμοίς μερισμοῖς μερισμου μερισμοῦ μερισμόυ μερισμούς μερισμώ merismois merismoîs merismou merismoû

Englishman's Concordance

Hebrews 2:4 N-DMP
GRK: 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
GRK: διικνούμενος ἄχρι μερισμοῦ ψυχῆς καὶ
NAS: as far as the division of soul
KJV: even to the dividing asunder of soul
INT: penetrating as far as [the] division both of soul and

Strong's Greek 3311
2 Occurrences

μερισμοῖς — 1 Occ.
μερισμοῦ — 1 Occ.