The concept of distribution in the Bible often relates to the sharing or allocation of resources, gifts, or responsibilities among individuals or groups. This theme is evident in various contexts, including the distribution of land, spiritual gifts, and material resources.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, distribution is frequently associated with the allocation of land among the tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Joshua was responsible for distributing the land according to the instructions given by God. This distribution was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. "So Joshua took the entire land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war" (Joshua 11:23).

The concept of distribution also appears in the context of justice and fairness. The Law of Moses includes provisions for the fair distribution of resources, ensuring that the poor and marginalized are cared for. For example, the Israelites were commanded to leave the gleanings of their harvest for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 19:9-10).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, distribution takes on a spiritual dimension, particularly in the context of the early Church. The apostles were responsible for distributing resources to meet the needs of the community. Acts 4:34-35 describes how the early believers shared their possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need" .

The distribution of spiritual gifts is another significant theme in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul writes about the distribution of gifts by the Holy Spirit to believers for the edification of the Church. "Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).

Principles of Distribution

The biblical principle of distribution emphasizes stewardship, generosity, and the equitable sharing of resources. Believers are encouraged to be generous and to distribute their resources to those in need. "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).

The act of distribution is seen as a reflection of God's character, who generously provides for His creation. Believers are called to imitate this divine generosity, recognizing that all they have is ultimately from God and should be used to serve others and glorify Him.1239. diadidomi -- to hand over, distribute
... Word Origin from dia and didomi Definition to hand over, distribute NASB Word Usage
distribute (1), distributed (2), distributes (1). distribute, divide, give. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1239.htm - 6k

Of the Fact that the Precepts of the Gospel are Milder than those ...
... For no faithless anxiety for getting food will annoy him who piously distributes
and disperses his wealth already consecrated to Christ and no longer regarded ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxxiii of the fact.htm

For what Reason the Prophet Isaiah is Said to have Been Purified ...
... all the intellectual Beings in due degree, and by conducting Its own gift of Light
to the most reverend Beings, through them, as first, It distributes in due ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput xiii for what reason.htm

On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot
... 8:2, 11.) (iii.) Understanding: "The Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep
things of God." (1 Corinthians 2:10.) (iv.) Will: for He "distributes his gifts ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 6 on the holy.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter Timothy. Dionysius the Presbyter.
... truly, there is One, to Whom all the Godlike aspire, but they do not partake uniformly
of this One and the Same, but as the Divine balance distributes to each ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput i to my fellow.htm

Introductory
... addressed to it by others. It separates its acquisitions and distributes them
among the pigeon-holes of the memory. Out of these again ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture i introductory.htm

The Names of God.
... 5. The Most High or Most High God. This means: (1) The Possessor of heaven and
earth, who as owner distributes the earth among the nations; ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter ii the names of.htm

Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ...
... essential, the differences between the several Reformed Churches, according to the
five main classes or sections into which the aggregate distributes itself to ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter i my dear friend.htm

Grace Abounding
... nothing again. A man distributes freely when, without asking any compensation,
he finds it more blessed to give than to receive. Now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/grace abounding.htm

The visit to Media.
... recklessness."He is reproved by his companions."Cyrus kills a wild boar."He is again
reproved."Cyrus carries his game home."Distributes it among his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter, Timothy, Dionysius the Presbyter.
... things Divine are revealed and contemplated in proportion to the capacity of each
of the minds, since the supremely Divine Goodness distributes Divinely its ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput i to my fellow.htm

Distributes (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Distributes (3 Occurrences). Luke 11:22 but as
soon as another stronger than he attacks him and overcomes ...
/d/distributes.htm - 7k

Distributed (30 Occurrences)

/d/distributed.htm - 16k

Oft (18 Occurrences)
... Job 21:17 "How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out, that their calamity
comes on them, that God distributes sorrows in his anger? ...
/o/oft.htm - 11k

Justice (212 Occurrences)
... In remunerative justice he distributes rewards (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:8); in
vindictive or punitive justice he inflicts punishment on account of ...
/j/justice.htm - 46k

Giver (21 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who gives; a donor; a bestower; a grantor; one
who imparts or distributes. Multi-Version Concordance Giver (21 Occurrences). ...
/g/giver.htm - 12k

Distributing (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Distribute. 2. (a.) That distributes;
dealing out. Multi-Version Concordance Distributing (8 Occurrences). ...
/d/distributing.htm - 9k

Distributeth (4 Occurrences)

/d/distributeth.htm - 7k

Dealer (5 Occurrences)
... stocks; a retail dealer. 2. (n.) One who distributes cards to the players.
Multi-Version Concordance Dealer (5 Occurrences). Acts 16:14 ...
/d/dealer.htm - 8k

Plunder (118 Occurrences)
... as soon as another stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away
that complete armour of his in which he trusted, and distributes the plunder ...
/p/plunder.htm - 37k

Collected (55 Occurrences)
... as soon as another stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away
that complete armour of his in which he trusted, and distributes the plunder ...
/c/collected.htm - 23k

What is continuationism? What is a continuationist? | GotQuestions.org

How do I identify my spiritual gift? | GotQuestions.org

Spiritual gifts survey - what are the different spiritual gifts the Bible mentions? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus