Definition and Context
Apportioning refers to the act of distributing or allocating portions or shares of something. In the biblical context, apportioning often relates to the division of land, resources, responsibilities, or spiritual gifts among individuals or groups according to divine instruction or guidance.

Biblical Instances of Apportioning

1. Land Distribution
One of the most significant examples of apportioning in the Bible is the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. After the Israelites entered Canaan, the land was apportioned among the twelve tribes by lot, as commanded by God. This process is detailed in the Book of Joshua. Joshua 14:2 states, "Their inheritance was assigned by lot for the nine and a half tribes, as the LORD had commanded through Moses."

2. Priestly Duties
Apportioning also occurs in the context of assigning duties and responsibilities among the Levites and priests. In 1 Chronicles 24, the divisions of the priests are established by lot to ensure an orderly and fair distribution of service in the temple. This apportioning was seen as divinely guided, ensuring that each family had its rightful place in the service of God.

3. Spiritual Gifts
In the New Testament, apportioning is evident in the distribution of spiritual gifts among believers. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:7 , "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." The Holy Spirit apportions gifts to each believer as He wills, emphasizing the diversity and unity within the body of Christ.

4. Provision and Resources
Apportioning is also seen in the distribution of resources and provision. In the early church, believers shared their possessions, and resources were apportioned according to need. Acts 4:34-35 describes this practice: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Theological Significance

Apportioning in the Bible underscores the principles of divine sovereignty, justice, and order. It reflects God's authority in determining the distribution of land, roles, and gifts, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. The act of apportioning also highlights the importance of community and interdependence among God's people, as each person or group receives what is necessary for their function and contribution to the larger body.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical concept of apportioning carries moral and ethical implications for believers. It calls for fairness, equity, and stewardship in the distribution of resources and responsibilities. Believers are encouraged to recognize and respect the divine apportioning of gifts and roles, fostering unity and cooperation within the church and community. The practice of apportioning also challenges individuals to trust in God's provision and timing, acknowledging His wisdom in the allocation of blessings and opportunities.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Apportion.5157. nachal -- to get or take as a possession
... apportion (2), apportion for inheritance (1), apportion the inheritance (1),
apportioned (1), apportioned for an inheritance (1), apportioning for inheritance ...
/hebrew/5157.htm - 7k

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... wound. Anna was very busy; she went here and there fetching and distributing
wool and apportioning their tasks to her maidservants. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Names and Titles of the Antichrist
... Instead of apportioning these names to different persons, we must see that they
denominate the same individual, only in different relationships, or as giving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/names and titles of the.htm

Watching for the King
... The difficulty of accurately apportioning the details of this prophecy to the future
events which fulfil them is common to it with all prophecy, of which it is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/watching for the king.htm

Still Another Triplet
... We have nothing to do with apportioning retribution to desert, either in
private actions or in the treatment of so-called criminals. ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/still another triplet 4.htm

How after his Baptism He Rendered Thanks to God.
... to complete the needful arrangement of his affairs, bequeathing an annual donation
to the Roman inhabitants of his imperial city; apportioning the inheritance ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxiii how after his baptism.htm

In How Many Ways "Throughwhom" is Used; and in what Sense "With ...
... is conceived of in the mind, cannot hold together without the care and providence
of God, the Creator Word, the Only begotten God, apportioning His succour ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter viii in how many.htm

That the Logos is One, not Many. Of the Word, Faithful and True ...
... He judges and makes war; since He has received from God the faculty of judging in
very righteousness and very judgment, and of apportioning its due to every ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/4 that the logos is.htm

For Whereas we are Composed of Two Distinct Natures...
... [3529] "alogou.". [3530] [That is, stripping the images of those whose temples he
destroyed, and apportioning the spoils among his Christian followers: See the ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter vii for whereas we.htm

The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant
... the other invokes the 'Lord.' The one says, 'They know not what they do'; the other
never thinks of reading men's motives, of apportioning their criminality ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the death of the master.htm

On Magistracy
... From such obedience and subjection the prince himself cannot grant any man immunity
and exemption; although in apportioning those burdens which are to be borne ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 25 on magistracy.htm

Apportioning (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Apportioning (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:49 So they made
an end of distributing the land for inheritance by its borders. ...
/a/apportioning.htm - 7k

Apportioneth (9 Occurrences)

/a/apportioneth.htm - 9k

Visitation (17 Occurrences)
... shun, vis-(pequddah; episkope): In Biblical writings, the divine investigation or
inspection of men's character and deeds with a view to apportioning to them ...
/v/visitation.htm - 15k

Joyed (4 Occurrences)
... 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, Thou hast made great its joy, They have joyed
before Thee as the joy in harvest, As 'men' rejoice in their apportioning spoil ...
/j/joyed.htm - 7k

Fortune (7 Occurrences)
... or unexpected manner; chance; accident; luck; hap; also, the personified or deified
power regarded as determining human success, apportioning happiness and ...
/f/fortune.htm - 9k

Distribution (32 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of distributing or dispensing; the act of dividing or apportioning
among several or many; apportionment; as, the distribution of an estate ...
/d/distribution.htm - 18k

Apportions (2 Occurrences)

/a/apportions.htm - 7k

Joshua (211 Occurrences)
... was commissioned formally to appoint Joshua as his successor and to hand over to
him and to Eleazar the priest the duty of finally apportioning the conquered ...
/j/joshua.htm - 101k

Apportioning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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