Topical Encyclopedia
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 SubdivisionThe 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 Scripture1.
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 ImplicationsSubdivision 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 ApplicationFor 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.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of subdividing, or separating a part into smaller parts.
2. (n.) A part of a thing made by subdividing.
Strong's Hebrew
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
...Library
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
thissubdivision is the outgrowth of the precedingsubdivision....
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....
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....
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.]....
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 repeatedsubdivision? ....
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 repeatedsubdivision...
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 thesubdivision of Exegetical Theology...
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...
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....
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....
Thesaurus
Subdivision (1 Occurrence)... smaller parts. 2. (n.) A part of a thing made by subdividing. Multi-Version
Concordance
Subdivision (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles
...Department (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (vi) Act of departing; departure. 2. (n.) A part, portion, orsubdivision.... 6.
(n.) A militarysubdivision of a country; as, the Department of the Potomac....
Branch (60 Occurrences)
... a railway. 3. (n.) Any member or part of a body or system; a distinct article;
a section orsubdivision; a department. 4. (n.) One...
Ezekiel (4 Occurrences)
... After the five sections of thissubdivision I, referring to Israel-each one of which
subdivisions is introduced by a new dating, and thereby separated from the...
Variety (1 Occurrence)
... typical of the species, and capable either of perpetuating itself for a period,
or of being perpetuated by artificial means; hence, asubdivision, or peculiar...
Lycaonia (2 Occurrences)
... The western part was a "region" orsubdivision of the Roman province Galatia; the
eastern was called Lycaonia Antiochiana, after Antiochus of Commagene under...
Length (135 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A single piece orsubdivision of a series, or of a number of long pieces
which may be connected together; as, a length of pipe; a length of fence....
Governor (78 Occurrences)
... 8; Dan. 2:15; 5:29). (5.) Hebrews aluph, literally one put over a thousand,
ie, a clan or asubdivision of a tribe. Used of the...
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...
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 orsubdivision of a language; speech...
Resources
What is the eternal state of the believer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Bethany in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSubdivision: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
