Original Word: διαίρεσις
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: diairesis
Pronunciation: dee-ah'-ee-res-is
Phonetic Spelling: (dee-ah'-ee-res-is)
Definition: Division, Distribution
Meaning: division, distribution, difference, distinction.

difference, diversity.

From diaireo; a distinction or (concretely) variety -- difference, diversity.

see GREEK diaireo

1243 diaíresis (from 1223 /diá, "through, reaching across," intensifying 138 /hairéomai, "making a personal choice") – properly, God's choice to give sovereign endowments of grace to His people so they can reach out ("across") to others, as His hand extended (cf. 1 Jn 4:17).

Word Origin
from diaireó
Definition
a division
NASB Translation
varieties (3).

STRONGS NT 1243: διαίρεσις

διαίρεσις, διαιρέσεως, ἡ (διαιρέω, which see);

1. division, distribution, (Herodotus, Xenophon, Plato, others).

2. distinction, difference, (Plato, Sophocles, p. 267 b. τινα διαίρεσιν ἀγνωσιας τέ καί γνώσεως θήσομεν; others); in particular, a distinction arising from a different distribution to different persons, (A. V. diversity): 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, cf. 1 Corinthians 12:11 διαιροῦν ἰδίᾳ ἑκάστῳ καθώς βούλεται.

Word Origin: From the Greek verb διαιρέω (diaireō), meaning "to divide" or "to separate."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for διαίρεσις, the concept of division or distribution can be related to several Hebrew terms, such as חֵלֶק (cheleq, Strong's Hebrew 2506), which means "portion" or "share," and פָּרַד (parad, Strong's Hebrew 6504), meaning "to separate" or "to divide." These terms similarly convey the idea of dividing or distributing portions or roles among individuals or groups.

Usage: The word διαίρεσις is used in the New Testament to describe the act of dividing or distributing, particularly in the context of spiritual gifts or roles within the church.

Context: The Greek term διαίρεσις appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the diversity and distribution of spiritual gifts among believers. It is notably used in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, where the Apostle Paul discusses the variety of gifts, services, and workings within the body of Christ. Paul writes, "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" (BSB). Here, διαίρεσις underscores the concept that while there is a diversity of gifts and roles, they all originate from the same divine source and serve the unified purpose of edifying the church.

The use of διαίρεσις in this passage highlights the importance of unity in diversity within the Christian community. Each believer is given distinct gifts and roles, yet all are integral to the functioning of the church as a whole. This division of gifts is not meant to create discord but to foster cooperation and mutual edification. The term thus serves as a reminder of the harmonious diversity that characterizes the body of Christ, where each member contributes uniquely to the common good.

Διαιρεσεις Διαιρέσεις διαιρέσεσιν διαιρέσεων διαιρέσεως διαίρεσιν διαιρέσις διαίρεσις Diaireseis DiairéseisInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts