From meros (a part). Means to divide, distribute, or apportion. Used of dividing possessions, distributing gifts, and metaphorically of internal division. Christ warned that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
Jesus used this word powerfully when He declared that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). Paul echoed this concern about divisions in the church at Corinth, asking 'Is Christ divided?' (1 Corinthians 1:13). The word carries theological weight regarding unity in the body of Christ and God's sovereign distribution of spiritual gifts.