4978. schisma

Lexicon

schisma: Division, schism, split

Original Word: σχίσμα
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: schisma
Pronunciation: SKHIS-mah
Phonetic Spelling: (skhis'-mah)
Definition: Division, schism, split
Meaning: a rent, as in a garment; a division, dissention.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

division, schism.

From schizo; a split or gap ("schism"), literally or figuratively -- division, rent, schism.

see GREEK schizo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from schizó
Definition
a split, fig. division
NASB Translation
division (4), divisions (2), tear (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4978: σχίσμα

σχίσμα, σχισματος, τό (σχίζω), a cleft, rent;

a. properly, a rent: Matthew 9:16; Mark 2:21 (Aristotle, Theophrastus).

b. metaphorically, a division, dissension: John 7:43; John 9:16; John 10:19; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 11:18; 1 Corinthians 12:25 (ecclesiastical writings (Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 2, 6 [ET], etc.; 'Teaching' 4, 3 [ET]; etc.)). (Cf. references under the word αἵρεσις, 5.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb σχίζω (schizo), meaning "to split" or "to divide."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for σχίσμα, the concept of division or separation can be related to Hebrew terms such as פֶּרֶץ (perets, Strong's H6556) meaning "breach" or "gap," and פָּרַד (parad, Strong's H6504) meaning "to separate" or "to divide." These terms similarly convey the idea of a break or division, whether physical or relational.

Usage: The term σχίσμα is used in the New Testament to describe divisions or factions, particularly within the context of the early Christian church. It highlights the presence of discord or lack of unity among believers.

Context: The term σχίσμα appears in the New Testament to address issues of division within the early Christian communities. It is used to describe both physical and metaphorical separations. In the Gospel of John, σχίσμα is used to describe the differing opinions among the people regarding Jesus' identity and teachings (John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19). These passages illustrate how Jesus' words and actions led to a division among the Jews, as some believed in Him while others rejected His claims.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses σχίσμα to admonish the Corinthian church for their internal divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10; 11:18). Paul appeals for unity, urging believers to be of the same mind and judgment, emphasizing that such divisions are contrary to the unity that should characterize the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, Paul further explains that there should be no σχίσμα in the body, but rather that its members should have mutual concern for one another, highlighting the importance of harmony and cooperation within the church.

The concept of σχίσμα underscores the biblical call for unity among believers, warning against the dangers of discord and emphasizing the need for reconciliation and collective harmony in the faith community.

Forms and Transliterations

σχισμα σχίσμα σχισμάς σχισματα σχίσματα σχιστόν schisma schísma schismata schísmata

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 9:16 N-NNS
GRK: καὶ χεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται
NAS: and a worse tear results.
KJV: and the rent is made
INT: and a worse tear takes place

Mark 2:21 N-NNS
GRK: καὶ χεῖρον σχίσμα γίνεται
NAS: and a worse tear results.
KJV: the old, and the rent is made worse.
INT: And worse a tear takes place

John 7:43 N-NNS
GRK: σχίσμα οὖν ἐγένετο
NAS: So a division occurred in the crowd
KJV: there was a division among
INT: A division therefore occurred

John 9:16 N-NNS
GRK: ποιεῖν καὶ σχίσμα ἦν ἐν
NAS: signs? And there was a division among
KJV: And there was a division among them.
INT: do And a division was among

John 10:19 N-NNS
GRK: Σχίσμα πάλιν ἐγένετο
NAS: A division occurred again
KJV: There was a division therefore again
INT: A division again there was

1 Corinthians 1:10 N-NNP
GRK: ἐν ὑμῖν σχίσματα ἦτε δὲ
NAS: and that there be no divisions among
KJV: no divisions among
INT: among you divisions you be moreover

1 Corinthians 11:18 N-ANP
GRK: ἐκκλησίᾳ ἀκούω σχίσματα ἐν ὑμῖν
NAS: I hear that divisions exist
KJV: that there be divisions among
INT: church I hear divisions among you

1 Corinthians 12:25 N-NNS
GRK: μὴ ᾖ σχίσμα ἐν τῷ
NAS: that there may be no division in the body,
KJV: there should be no schism in the body;
INT: not there might be division in the

Strong's Greek 4978
8 Occurrences

σχίσμα — 6 Occ.
σχίσματα — 2 Occ.