The term "asunder" is an archaic English word that means "apart" or "into pieces." In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe the act of separating or dividing something that was once whole. The word appears in several passages throughout the Scriptures, conveying both physical and metaphorical separations.

Biblical Usage

1. Marriage and Divorce: One of the most notable uses of "asunder" is found in the context of marriage. In Matthew 19:6 , Jesus speaks about the sanctity of marriage, saying, "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate." The phrase "let no man separate" is often rendered as "let no man put asunder" in older translations. This passage underscores the divine intention for the permanence of the marital union, emphasizing that it should not be broken by human intervention.

2. Divine Judgment: The term is also used to describe acts of divine judgment. In the Old Testament, the imagery of being "cut asunder" is sometimes employed to depict the severe consequences of disobedience to God. For example, in 1 Samuel 15:33 , the prophet Samuel executes King Agag, saying, "As your sword has made women childless, so will your mother be childless among women." And Samuel put Agag to death before the LORD at Gilgal. Although the term "asunder" is not directly used in the BSB translation, the concept of being cut or divided as a form of judgment is present.

3. Spiritual Division: Hebrews 4:12 provides a metaphorical use of the concept, describing the Word of God as "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Here, the idea of dividing asunder illustrates the penetrating and discerning power of Scripture, capable of separating the innermost aspects of human nature.

4. End Times: In eschatological contexts, the term is used to describe the separation of the righteous from the wicked. Matthew 24:51 states, "He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This passage, while not using the word "asunder" directly, conveys the idea of a decisive and final separation at the time of judgment.

Theological Implications

The use of "asunder" in the Bible often carries significant theological weight, emphasizing the seriousness of covenant relationships, the reality of divine judgment, and the discerning power of God's Word. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of maintaining the unity and integrity of relationships ordained by God. The term also highlights the ultimate authority of God in determining the fate of individuals and nations, as well as the transformative power of His Word in the lives of believers.

1 John iii. 19-4. 3
... How can it be said that thou deniest not that Christ is come in the flesh, who rendest
assunder the Church of God which He hath gathered together? ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vi 1 john iii.htm

Assunder (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Assunder (1 Occurrence). 2 Kings 2:11 And it came
to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold ...
/a/assunder.htm - 6k

Assur (2 Occurrences)

/a/assur.htm - 13k

Assumption (1 Occurrence)

/a/assumption.htm - 7k

Eli'jah (93 Occurrences)
... to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot
of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both assunder; and Elijah ...
/e/eli'jah.htm - 31k

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