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διαίρεσις

diaíresis

G1243 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

An act or process of dividing, separation, or distribution; by extension, a category or distinction, and in some contexts, a variety or type differentiated from others. In particular, used to designate differences or distributions within a collective, such as varieties of spiritual gifts or kinds.

Semantic Range

division, act of separating, distribution, categorization, distinction, variety, difference

Root / Etymology

From διαιρέω (to divide, separate), itself from διά (through) + αἱρέω (to take, choose).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, διαίρεσις primarily denoted the process or result of dividing or distinguishing, often in philosophical or rhetorical context—such as the division of concepts or categories (cf. Aristotle's logical terminology). In the Koine and Hellenistic period, this meaning is retained but extended to designate distinctions or varieties within a group, notably in Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian texts to refer to varieties or distributions of spiritual gifts (as in 1 Corinthians 12:4–6). The Septuagint does not notably use the term. Standard English Bible translations often render it as 'variety,' 'diversity,' or 'difference,' but these can obscure the underlying sense of formal distinction, distribution, or categorization inherent to the Greek. The word does not inherently mean 'difference' in the evaluative or adversarial sense, but rather points to a systematic division or classification. Related terms include διαφορά (difference, distinction) and διαμερισμός (division, sharing out), but διαίρεσις specifically emphasizes the act or outcome of dividing into distinct parts or kinds.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from διαιρέω; a distinction or (concretely) variety:--difference, diversity.

Root Family

διαίρεσις (diaíresis) — division, separation, distribution, distinction, categorization

Root διαιρ- to divide, to separate, to distinguish

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1243-01 διαιρέσεις diaireseis N NOM F PL varieties divisions varieties 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1243-01 1 Corinthians 12:4 διαιρέσεις diaireseis N NOM F PL varieties divisions varieties
G1243-01 1 Corinthians 12:5 διαιρέσεις diaireseis N NOM F PL varieties divisions varieties
G1243-01 1 Corinthians 12:6 διαιρέσεις diaireseis N NOM F PL varieties divisions varieties
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