Lexical Summary schisma: Division, schism, split Original Word: σχίσμα 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 Originfrom schizó Definition a split, fig. division NASB Translation division (4), divisions (2), tear (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4978: σχίσμασχίσμα, 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.) σχίσμα evokes the physical act of ripping cloth or net, an image familiar in first-century life where seamless garments were prized and mended items quickly tore again. In Scripture this concrete picture becomes a metaphor for relational rupture—people who ought to be woven together in covenant love instead pull apart, exposing vulnerability and shame. The term therefore carries both the pain of loss and the implicit call to restore what has been torn. Occurrences in the Teaching of Jesus Matthew 9:16 and Mark 2:21 provide the Lord’s foundational illustration: “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear results”. The “worse σχίσμα” warns against combining the new reality of the kingdom with the brittle structures of religious traditionalism. Attempting to blend incompatible fabrics produces greater damage, not renewed life. Jesus thus cautions that true renewal demands an entirely new garment—the righteousness He supplies—not merely a corrective patch upon human systems. Schisms Among the Jewish Crowds John highlights σχίσμα three times (John 7:43; 9:16; 10:19) to portray mounting division over Jesus’ identity. Each scene centers on a revelatory act—teaching at the Feast of Tabernacles, healing the man born blind, declaring Himself the Good Shepherd. Revelation forces decision, and decision separates hearts. Yet in every case the narrative also records those who believe, demonstrating that even in division God is gathering a remnant. The evangelist subtly contrasts the torn populace with the unified relationship between Father and Son (John 10:30), inviting readers to find wholeness in Christ. Pauline Concern for Unity in the Body In Corinth, σχίσμα migrates from the marketplace and synagogue into the church itself. Paul addresses it three times: • 1 Corinthians 1:10: “that there may be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and judgment.” The apostle does not treat σχίσματα as minor irritations but as open wounds threatening the body’s life. His remedy is Christ-centered humility: allegiance to the crucified Lord rather than to human leaders (1 Corinthians 1:13), discerning participation in the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 11:27-29), and Spirit-empowered mutual care where each gift serves the whole (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). Theological Emphasis on Unity Throughout Scripture unity is rooted in God’s own nature and redemptive purpose. The Father answers the Son’s prayer “that they may be one” (John 17:21) by baptizing believers into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13). Schism, therefore, opposes divine design. It dilutes witness (John 13:35), grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), and hinders prayer (1 Peter 3:7). Conversely, restored fabric—“perfectly knit together” (Colossians 2:2)—magnifies the gospel’s power to reconcile. Ministry Application 1. Diagnose motives: factionalism often cloaks pride or preference. Leaders must examine whether convictions arise from Scripture or from party spirit. Historical Echo in Early Church Patristic writings echo Paul’s urgency. Ignatius pleaded with the Philadelphians, “Do nothing in schism.” Cyprian argued that division from the church endangers salvation, drawing upon the seamless robe at the cross as a symbol of indivisible unity. These voices remind later generations that schism is not merely interpersonal but ecclesiological. Future Hope of an Undivided Church Prophecy envisions the rift finally healed: “The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it” (Revelation 21:24). In the New Jerusalem no further tearing will occur, for the Bride’s garment is granted “to be arrayed in fine linen, bright and pure” (Revelation 19:8). Present labor against σχίσμα anticipates that consummate harmony, urging believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 9:16 N-NNSGRK: 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 John 7:43 N-NNS John 9:16 N-NNS John 10:19 N-NNS 1 Corinthians 1:10 N-NNP 1 Corinthians 11:18 N-ANP 1 Corinthians 12:25 N-NNS Strong's Greek 4978 |
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