"a split, Mt. 9:16; Mk. 2:21; met. a division into parties, schism, Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18; 12:25*"
Definition and meaning
a split, Mt. 9:16; Mk. 2:21; met. a division into parties, schism, Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18; 12:25*
In the original Greek the word is written: σχίσμα
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of schisma (G4978) across the King James Bible.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
So there was a division among the people because of him.
Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
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Common questions
Strong's G4978 (schisma) is a Greek word that means: a split, Mt. 9:16; Mk. 2:21; met. a division into parties, schism, Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18; 12:25* It appears 8 times in the King James Bible.
The word schisma (G4978) appears 8 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4978 is schisma, a Greek word defined as: a split, Mt. 9:16; Mk. 2:21; met. a division into parties, schism, Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19; 1 Cor. 1:10; 11:18; 12:25*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
schisma is a Greek word found in the New Testament.