μερίς

a part, portion

Definition

The Greek word μερίς (meris) fundamentally means 'a part' or 'portion.' In the New Testament, it carries two primary senses. First, it can refer to a physical or geographical division, such as a district or region, as seen in Acts 16:12 where Philippi is described as 'a leading city of the district of Macedonia.' Second, and more commonly, it denotes a share, allotment, or inheritance, often in a spiritual or relational context. For example, in Luke 10:42, Jesus tells Martha that Mary has chosen the 'good portion' (meris), which will not be taken from her, implying a spiritual blessing. Similarly, in Colossians 1:12, believers are described as sharing in the 'inheritance' (meris) of the saints in light.

Biblical Usage

Μερίς is used five times in the New Testament, primarily in Luke-Acts and the Pauline epistles. Its usage divides between concrete geographical designation (Acts 16:12) and metaphorical/spiritual share. In Acts 8:21, Simon the magician is told he has 'no part or share' (meris) in the apostolic ministry, highlighting a relational exclusion. In 2 Corinthians 6:15, it forms part of a rhetorical question about the 'share' (meris) a believer has with an unbeliever, emphasizing spiritual incompatibility. The word consistently conveys the idea of an allotted portion, whether literal or figurative.

Etymology

Μερίς is a noun derived from the verb μερίζω (merizō, G3307), meaning 'to divide' or 'to distribute.' It is related to μέρος (meros, G3313), meaning 'a part.' The root concept is division and distribution, leading to the meanings of 'portion' or 'share.' This family of words is common in Greek, conveying the idea of something being apportioned from a whole.

Semantic Range

Μερίς is theologically significant as it connects to key concepts of inheritance, blessing, and participation in God's kingdom. In Luke 10:42, it underscores the priority of spiritual communion with Christ over worldly busyness. In Colossians 1:12, it anchors the believer's identity in a divine inheritance, a core New Testament theme of being co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that a believer's 'portion' is not merely a future reward but a present, secure reality in Christ, from which one cannot be excluded (unlike Simon in Acts 8:21).

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'portion' (meris) was deeply tied to inheritance laws and the division of property, which was often a male prerogative. The use of this term for spiritual inheritance, as in Colossians 1:12, would have been striking, as it extended the idea of a secure share to all believers, regardless of social status. The geographical usage (Acts 16:12) reflects the Roman administrative division of territories into districts.

μέρος (meros, G3313) — A more general term for 'part' or 'portion,' often physical; κλήρος (klēros, G2819) — 'Lot' or 'inheritance,' with a stronger emphasis on divine allotment or casting lots.

Word Details

Scripture References