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μερίζω

merízō

G3307 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

to divide, to distribute, to apportion; primarily "to separate into parts" — with contextual senses including to allocate portions (of property, goods, or territories), to assign or distribute among persons, and, in a figurative sense, to cause divisions or distinctions among people or groups.

Semantic Range

to divide (into parts), to distribute, to allot, to assign a share, to apportion (goods, land, property), to bestow, to disunite, to cause division, to differentiate, to make a distinction

Root / Etymology

From μέρος (part, portion), with the denominative verbal suffix -ίζω, forming a verb meaning "to make into parts" or "to apportion."

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μερίζω is widely attested in the sense of dividing something into parts, whether material (dividing land, inheritance, goods) or abstract (apportioning honor, blame, or roles). In the Septuagint, it is frequently used to translate Hebrew roots meaning to divide or allot, often in the context of the distribution of land or spoils. In the New Testament, μερίζω occurs in both literal and metaphorical contexts — for example, dividing goods, allocating inheritance (Luke 12:13), or causing division among people (Luke 12:51). The verb frequently carries a neutral meaning (distribute, allot), but can in certain contexts suggest a negative or disruptive sense (create dissension or division). Standard English translations vary according to context and may use "divide," "separate," "distribute," or "apportion." However, such renderings can over-simplify the range of the verb, especially its use in contexts of social or familial division, where the nuance can be stronger than mere "difference." Contrast with διαμερίζω, which often refers more pointedly to breaking something up or distributing among many, and κλήροω, which is more narrowly "to assign by lot."

Translation Consistency

primary "divide" 13 occurrences

The primary and most natural sense of μερίζω is to separate into parts — to divide. "Divide" covers literal dividing/apportioning (land, goods, shares) and the common figurative sense (causing division or distinction). It is simple, idiomatic English and matches the majority of existing renderings.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"apportion for" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μέρος; to part, i.e. (literally) to apportion, bestow, share, or (figuratively) to disunite, differ:--deal, be difference between, distribute, divide, give participle

Root Family

μερίζω (merizō) — to divide, to distribute, to apportion

Root μερ- to divide, to distribute, to apportion

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3307-01 ἐμέρισεν emerisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG divided he divided he divided 5
G3307-06 μερισθεῖσα meristheisa V AOR PASS PTCP NOM F SG divided having been divided having been divided 2
G3307-02 ἐμερίσθη emeristhe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG he is divided was divided was divided 2
G3307-03 μεμέρισται memeristai V PRF PASS IND 3P SG has been divided has been divided has been divided 2
G3307-05 μερισθῇ meristhe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG is divided may be divided may be divided 2
G3307-04 μερίσασθαι merisasthai V AOR MID INF to divide to apportion for oneself to apportion for himself 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3307-06 Matthew 12:25 μερισθεῖσα meristheisa V AOR PASS PTCP NOM F SG divided having been divided having been divided
G3307-06 Matthew 12:25 μερισθεῖσα meristheisa-2 V AOR PASS PTCP NOM F SG divided having been divided having been divided
G3307-02 Matthew 12:26 ἐμερίσθη emeristhe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG he is divided was divided was divided
G3307-05 Mark 3:24 μερισθῇ meristhe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG is divided may be divided may be divided
G3307-05 Mark 3:25 μερισθῇ meristhe V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P SG is divided may be divided may be divided
G3307-02 Mark 3:26 ἐμερίσθη emeristhe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG is divided was divided was divided
G3307-01 Mark 6:41 ἐμέρισεν emerisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG divided he divided he divided
G3307-04 Luke 12:13 μερίσασθαι merisasthai V AOR MID INF to divide to apportion for oneself to apportion for himself
G3307-01 Romans 12:3 ἐμέρισεν emerisen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG has allotted he divided he divided
G3307-03 1 Corinthians 1:13 μεμέρισται memeristai V PRF PASS IND 3P SG has been divided has been divided has been divided
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