The term "halved" refers to the act of dividing something into two equal parts. In the context of the Bible, this concept is often associated with covenant rituals, symbolic acts, and divine instructions. The act of halving is significant in several biblical narratives, illustrating themes of sacrifice, covenant, and divine intervention.

Covenant Rituals

One of the most notable instances of halving in the Bible is found in the covenant ceremony between God and Abram (later Abraham). In Genesis 15:9-10, God instructs Abram to bring specific animals and cut them in half as part of a covenant ritual: "So the LORD said to him, 'Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.' Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half." . This act of halving the animals and laying them opposite each other was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern covenants, symbolizing the seriousness of the agreement and the consequences of breaking it.

Symbolic Acts

The concept of halving also appears in the account of King Solomon's wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:16-28, two women come to Solomon, each claiming to be the mother of a living child. Solomon proposes to cut the child in half, giving each woman a part. The true mother immediately offers to give up her claim to save the child's life, revealing her identity. This account highlights Solomon's wisdom and the use of halving as a test to reveal truth and justice.

Divine Instructions

In the New Testament, the idea of division, though not explicitly described as halving, can be seen in Jesus' teachings about the separation of believers and non-believers. In Matthew 25:31-33, Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where He will separate people as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. This division underscores the importance of faith and righteousness in the eyes of God.

Theological Implications

The act of halving in biblical narratives often carries deep theological implications. It signifies the seriousness of covenants, the discernment of truth, and the ultimate division between those who follow God's will and those who do not. These themes resonate with the broader biblical message of commitment, justice, and divine judgment.

In summary, the concept of halving in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of covenant, wisdom, and divine separation, reflecting the gravity of God's promises and the discernment required in human relationships.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Halve.

2. (a.) Appearing as if one side, or one half, were cut away; dimidiate.

But what Speak I of These Things? for Now is no Time to Question.. ...
... half of my soul"; for I felt that my soul and his soul were "one soul in two bodies":
and therefore was my life a horror to me, because I would not live halved ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vi but what speak.htm

How Varro, by Removing all the Differences which do not Form Sects ...
... Taking away next the distinction occasioned by the hesitancy of the New Academy,
the number is again halved, and reduced to twenty-four. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 2 how varro by removing.htm

Whether the Entire Good of Human Nature Can be Destroyed by Sin?
... be made each time in the same proportion, and not in the same quantity, it may go
on indefinitely, as, for instance, if a quantity be halved, and one half be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the entire good of.htm

The Heart: a Gift for God
... Do it thoroughly. "My son, give me thine heart." You cannot give Christ
a piece of a heart, for a heart that is halved is killed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the heart a gift for.htm

Halved (5 Occurrences)
...Halved (5 Occurrences). ... Numbers 31:27 and thou hast halved the prey between those
handling the battle who go out to the host and all the company; (YLT). ...
/h/halved.htm - 8k

Halve (1 Occurrence)
... Exodus 21:35 And when a man's ox doth smite the ox of his neighbour, and it hath
died, then they have sold the living ox, and halved its money, and also the ...
/h/halve.htm - 7k

Wrappeth (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 2:8 And Elijah taketh his robe, and wrappeth 'it' together, and smiteth
the waters, and they are halved, hither and thither, and they pass over both of ...
/w/wrappeth.htm - 8k

Sold (92 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:35 And when a man's ox doth smite the ox of his neighbour, and it hath
died, then they have sold the living ox, and halved its money, and also the ...
/s/sold.htm - 35k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... from off him, and smiteth the waters, and saith, 'Where 'is' Jehovah, God of Elijah --
even He?' and he smiteth the waters, and they are halved, hither and ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

Smite (230 Occurrences)
... Exodus 21:35 And when a man's ox doth smite the ox of his neighbour, and it hath
died, then they have sold the living ox, and halved its money, and also the ...
/s/smite.htm - 39k

Halves (5 Occurrences)

/h/halves.htm - 7k

Handling (12 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Numbers 31:27 and thou hast halved the prey between those handling the
battle who go out to the host and all the company; (YLT). ...
/h/handling.htm - 10k

Community (77 Occurrences)
... Numbers 31:27 and thou hast halved the prey between those handling the battle
who go out to the host and all the company; (See NIV). ...
/c/community.htm - 32k

Tabernacle (333 Occurrences)
... a projection backward by post-exilian imagination of the ideas and dimensions of
the Temple of Solomon, the measurements of the latter being throughout halved. ...
/t/tabernacle.htm - 101k

Halved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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