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G3284 · Greek · New Testament
Μεριστης
Meristēs
Noun, Masculine
Divider / Arbitrator

Definition

From merizō (to divide). One who divides or arbitrates — a judge or settler of disputes. Jesus refused to serve as a property divider between two brothers.

Usage & Theological Significance

When a man asked Jesus to make his brother divide the inheritance, Jesus replied: 'Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?' (Luke 12:14). Jesus refused to reduce His mission to settling property disputes. He came not to divide estates but to divide light from darkness, truth from error, the saved from the lost. Jesus' kingdom operates on an entirely different plane than human courts.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 12:14 Jesus replied, 'Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?'
Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'
John 18:36 Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world.'
Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

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External Resources

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