The Greek noun diamerismos means division, dissension, or discord — a state of being split apart. It describes the rupture of relationships or communities through conflict or disagreement.
Ironically, Jesus himself declares that he came to bring diamerismos (Luke 12:51): 'Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.' This is not a contradiction of the Beatitude of the peacemakers but a recognition that the Gospel is inherently divisive — it confronts every claim to authority, allegiance, and identity. Following Christ may rupture even the closest family bonds. Truth divides before it unifies.