In the context of biblical studies, "subdivision" refers to the division of biblical texts into smaller, more manageable sections for the purpose of study, teaching, and understanding. This practice aids in the systematic exploration of Scripture, allowing for a more detailed examination of its themes, narratives, and teachings.

Biblical Basis for Subdivision

The concept of subdividing texts is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but the practice can be seen in the way Scripture has been organized over time. The division of the Bible into chapters and verses, though not original to the texts, serves as a form of subdivision that facilitates reference and study. This system was developed over centuries, with the chapter divisions attributed to Stephen Langton in the 13th century and the verse divisions to Robert Estienne in the 16th century.

Examples of Subdivision in Scripture

1. The Pentateuch: The first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, are subdivided into various sections that cover different aspects of the Law, history, and covenant. For instance, Genesis is often divided into the primeval history (Genesis 1-11) and the patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50).

2. The Psalms: The Book of Psalms is subdivided into five books, each ending with a doxology, reflecting the structure of the Torah. This subdivision helps in understanding the thematic progression and liturgical use of the Psalms.

3. The Gospels: The Gospels are often subdivided into sections that highlight the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, the Gospel of Matthew is frequently divided into the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), parables (Matthew 13), and the Passion narrative (Matthew 26-28).

Theological Implications

Subdivision aids in the theological study of the Bible by allowing scholars and believers to focus on specific themes and doctrines. For instance, the subdivision of Paul's epistles into doctrinal and practical sections helps in understanding the relationship between belief and behavior. In Romans, chapters 1-11 focus on theological doctrines, while chapters 12-16 emphasize practical Christian living.

Practical Application

For pastors, teachers, and students of the Bible, subdivision is a valuable tool for sermon preparation, Bible study, and teaching. By breaking down larger texts into smaller units, one can more easily identify key themes, cross-references, and applications. This method also aids in memorization and meditation on Scripture, as smaller sections are more manageable for reflection and internalization.

Scriptural Examples

· Nehemiah 8:8 : "They read from the Book of the Law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read." This verse illustrates the importance of making Scripture understandable, a process that can be aided by subdivision.

· Isaiah 28:10 : "For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there." This passage reflects the idea of breaking down teachings into smaller, digestible parts.

Subdivision, while a human endeavor, serves the divine purpose of making the Word of God accessible and comprehensible to all believers, facilitating a deeper engagement with the sacred texts.1. (n.) The act of subdividing, or separating a part into smaller parts.

2. (n.) A part of a thing made by subdividing.

7618. shebo -- (a precious stone) perhaps agate
... From an unused root (probably identical with that of shabah through the idea of
subdivision into flashes or streamers (compare shabiyb) meaning to flame; a gem ...
/hebrew/7618.htm - 6k

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ...
... Tuesday, April 4, ad30.) Subdivision B. Parable of the Two Sons. ... [The parable of
this subdivision is the outgrowth of the preceding subdivision. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cviii in reply to the 2.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... The Sermon on the Mount. (a Mountain Plateau Not Far from Capernaum.)
Subdivision B. Beatitudes: Promises to Messiah's Subjects. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 2.htm

Cix. Jewish Rulers Seek to Ensnare Jesus.
... (Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, ad30.) Subdivision C. A Lawyer Asks About
the Great Commandment. ^A Matthew 22:34-40; ^B Mark 12:28-34; ^C Luke 20:40. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cix jewish rulers seek to 3.htm

The First Great Group of Parables.
... (Beside the Sea of Galilee.) Subdivision D. The Parable of the Tares. ... Jesus' explanation
of this parable will be found below in [2]Subdivision F.]. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/liv the first great group 4.htm

Appendix (G).
... he can have made but one Section of S. John 21:18 to 25,"which nevertheless, from
its very varied contents, confessedly requires even repeated subdivision? . ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark/appendix g.htm

Appendix (G). On the So-Called "Ammonian Sections" and "Eusebian ...
... he can have made but one Section of S. John 21:18 to 25,"which nevertheless, from
its very varied contents, confessedly requires even repeated subdivision ...
/.../appendix g on the so-called.htm

Extent and Character of Chrysostom's Exegetical Labors.
... Chrysostom's treatment of the two parts of revelation agrees in many respects with
the methods now generally accepted in the subdivision of Exegetical Theology ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/ii extent and character of.htm

Criticism of the Westminster System of Doctrine.
... [1520] It shows usually a marvelous dexterity in analysis, division, subdivision,
distinction, and definition, but it lacks the intuition into the hidden ...
/.../ 97 criticism of the.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... The Sermon on the Mount. (a Mountain Plateau Not Far from Capernaum.) Subdivision
C. Influence and Duties of Messiah's Subjects. ^A Matthew 5:13-16. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 3.htm

Second Great Group of Parables.
... (Time: One Year Less One Week.) XCII. Second Great Group of Parables. (Probably
in Per??a.) Subdivision E. Parable of the Unrighteous Steward. ^C Luke 16:1-18. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 5.htm

Subdivision (1 Occurrence)
... smaller parts. 2. (n.) A part of a thing made by subdividing. Multi-Version
Concordance Subdivision (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles ...
/s/subdivision.htm - 7k

Department (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vi) Act of departing; departure. 2. (n.) A part, portion, or subdivision. ... 6.
(n.) A military subdivision of a country; as, the Department of the Potomac. ...
/d/department.htm - 7k

Branch (60 Occurrences)
... a railway. 3. (n.) Any member or part of a body or system; a distinct article;
a section or subdivision; a department. 4. (n.) One ...
/b/branch.htm - 28k

Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)
... After the five sections of this subdivision I, referring to Israel-each one of which
subdivisions is introduced by a new dating, and thereby separated from the ...
/e/ezekiel.htm - 45k

Variety (1 Occurrence)
... typical of the species, and capable either of perpetuating itself for a period,
or of being perpetuated by artificial means; hence, a subdivision, or peculiar ...
/v/variety.htm - 7k

Lycaonia (2 Occurrences)
... The western part was a "region" or subdivision of the Roman province Galatia; the
eastern was called Lycaonia Antiochiana, after Antiochus of Commagene under ...
/l/lycaonia.htm - 10k

Length (135 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A single piece or subdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces
which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence. ...
/l/length.htm - 37k

Governor (78 Occurrences)
... 8; Dan. 2:15; 5:29). (5.) Hebrews aluph, literally one put over a thousand,
ie, a clan or a subdivision of a tribe. Used of the ...
/g/governor.htm - 48k

Guide (89 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) A noncommissioned officer or soldier placed on the directing flank of each
subdivision of a column of troops, or at the end of a line, to mark the ...
/g/guide.htm - 37k

Dialect (6 Occurrences)
... (n.) The form of speech of a limited region or people, as distinguished from ether
forms nearly related to it; a variety or subdivision of a language; speech ...
/d/dialect.htm - 8k

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