Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the concept of "dividing" appears in various forms, often symbolizing separation, allocation, or distinction. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, from the physical division of land and resources to the spiritual separation between good and evil.
Creation and OrderThe act of dividing is first introduced in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 1, God establishes order by dividing light from darkness, waters from waters, and day from night.
Genesis 1:4 states, "God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This division underscores God's sovereignty and the establishment of order in the universe.
Inheritance and Land DivisionThe division of land is a significant theme in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the inheritance of the Promised Land. In the Book of Joshua, the land of Canaan is divided among the twelve tribes of Israel.
Joshua 18:10 records, "Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh in the presence of the LORD, and there he distributed the land to the Israelites according to their divisions." This division was not merely a practical allocation but a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.
Dividing the Red SeaOne of the most dramatic instances of dividing in the Bible is the parting of the Red Sea. In
Exodus 14:21, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided." This miraculous event allowed the Israelites to escape from Egyptian bondage, symbolizing deliverance and divine intervention.
Dividing the SpoilsThe division of spoils after a battle is another recurring theme. In
1 Samuel 30:24, David establishes a principle of fairness in dividing the spoils of war: "The share of the one who goes into battle shall be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share alike." This equitable division reflects a sense of justice and community among God's people.
Spiritual DivisionThe New Testament introduces the concept of spiritual division, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. In
Matthew 25:32, Jesus speaks of the final judgment: "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." This division signifies the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience.
Dividing the Word of TruthIn
2 Timothy 2:15, Paul exhorts Timothy to rightly divide the word of truth: "Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth." This call to accurately interpret Scripture highlights the importance of discernment and fidelity to God's Word.
ConclusionThe theme of dividing in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting God's order, justice, and ultimate authority. Whether through the allocation of land, the miraculous parting of waters, or the separation of the righteous from the wicked, dividing serves as a powerful motif that underscores the divine narrative throughout Scripture.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Divide.
2. (a.) That divides; separating; marking divisions; graduating.
Greek
3311. merismos -- adividing, distribution... a
dividing, distribution. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: merismos
Phonetic Spelling: (mer-is-mos') Short Definition: a distribution
...1337. dithalassos -- divided into two seas,dividing the sea (as a...
... divided into two seas,dividing the sea (as a reef). Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: dithalassos Phonetic Spelling: (dee-thal'-as-sos) Short...
3320. mesotoichon -- a middle wall
... Word Origin from mesos and toichos Definition a middle wall NASB Word Usage
dividing wall (1). a middle wall,dividing wall. From...
1266. diamerizo -- to distribute, to divide
... Definition to distribute, to divide NASB Word Usage distributing (1), divided (4),
divided...among (1), divided up...among themselves (2),dividing up...among...
Strong's Hebrew
6387. pelag -- half... Word Origin (Aramaic) from pelag Definition half NASB Word Usage half (1).
dividing.
(Aramaic) from plag; a half --
dividing. see HEBREW plag. 6386, 6387.
...6499. par -- young bull, steer
... Or par {pawr}; from parar; a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength,
or perhaps asdividing the hoof) -- (+ young) bull(-ock), calf, ox....
2505a. chalaq -- to divide, share
... 3), apportion (2), apportions (1), assigned (1), disperse (1), distribute (1),
distributed (2), divide (12), divided (18), divides (1),dividing (2), given her...
Library
Jesus theDividing Line.
... I John's Story Jesus theDividing Line. There are several contrasts between
the first three Gospels and John's. It is very striking...
Whether the Angels Understand by Composing andDividing?
... OF THE MODE OF ANGELIC KNOWLEDGE (SEVEN ARTICLES) Whether the angels
understand by composing anddividing? Objection 1: It would...
Whether Truth Resides Only in the Intellect Composing andDividing...
... OF TRUTH (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether truth resides only in the intellect composing
anddividing? Objection 1: It seems that truth does...
Gregory Further Shows that the Only-Begotten Being Begotten not...
... And now let us see what he adds to his previous statements. "Notdividing," he says,
"His own essence by begetting, and being at once begetter and begotten, at...
Hebrews iv. 13-Nov
... For the word of God is quick [ie living] and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to thedividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of...
Definitions, Genera, and Species.
... And thus, by continuallydividing those genera that seem to be compound into the
simpler species, we arrive at the point which is the subject of investigation...
2 Timothy ii. 14-Nov
... "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightlydividing the word of truth.".... "Rightlydividing the word of truth."....
Introductory
... His Church"! This is a "dividing" of the word (by man) indeed! but whether
it is "rightlydividing" is another matter. The book...
Antichrist in Daniel
... of verse 25: "And shall wear out the saints of the Most High[hellip]and they shall
be given into his hand until a time and times and thedividing of time." A...
The Author Distinguishes the Faith from the Errors of Pagans...
... [1671] Individing the Essence, the Arians not only bring in the doctrine of
three Gods, but even overthrow the dominion of the Trinity....
Thesaurus
Dividing (23 Occurrences)...Dividing (23 Occurrences). Mark 1:10 and immediately coming up from the water, he
saw the heavens
dividing, and the Spirit as a dove coming down upon him; (YLT)
...Divide (71 Occurrences)
... by the members separating themselves into two parties (as on opposite sides of the
hall or in opposite lobbies), that is, the ayesdividing from the nose. 15....
Partition (4 Occurrences)
... n.) That which divides or separates; that by which different things, or distinct
parts of the same thing, are separated; separating boundary;dividing line or...
Cleaving (10 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 anydividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs,
bringing up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (YLT)....
Cut (616 Occurrences)
... etc. 11. (vi) To do the work of an edged tool; to serve individing or gashing;
as, a knife cuts well. 12.... 25. (n.) The act ofdividing a pack cards. 26....
Asunder (37 Occurrences)
... of pigeons or turtledoves (Leviticus 1:17; Leviticus 5:8). (2) (merismos): From
merizo, "to divide." The noun is abstract, "the act ofdividing." The word of...
Divided (102 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 anydividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing
up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (See NIV)....
Temple (614 Occurrences)
... Along the top of thisdividing wall, at regular intervals, were placed pillars bearing
in Greek an inscription to the effect that no stranger was, on the pain...
Divides (9 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 11:3 anydividing a hoof, and cleaving the cleft of the hoofs, bringing
up the cud, among the beasts, it ye do eat. (See NAS)....
Marrow (5 Occurrences)
... the Hebrews the writer speaks of the word of God, which is "living, and active,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to thedividing of soul...
Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Benjamin? | GotQuestions.orgTrichotomy vs. dichotomy of man'which view is correct? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are cloven tongues? | GotQuestions.orgDividing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
