[Greek] διχοτομέω (dichotomeō), [Latin] dividere: to cut into two, to cut asunder, to cut into pieces, to bisect, to cut up by scourging, to punish severely, to separate, to cut in half, to dismember; Mt. 24:51, Lk.12:46, Heb.11:37, Lk.19:27
Background information:
Old Testament: This was an ancient form of punishment of cutting asunder with the sword or saw. This refers to cutting, dividing, or cleaving into two parts. This term is found only in a literal sense of cutting people, oxen, and animals. At this time in history, there was only a literal sense of this term.
New Testament: This literal sense of this term continues in the New Testament culture. However, a figurative meaning develops in the sense of punishing severely. Instead of a literal cutting in two, separation and punishment occur. This is associated with a place of judgment of which there is no turning back. Wailing and grinding teeth comes. This is hell (separation from God).
Wailing and grinding teeth: This is a final judgment for sinners, lasting for eternity. Those who do not belong to Christ will suffer a terrible fate. Hell will be a “place” of anguish, remorse, pain, wailing, and grinding teeth. Those who reject God will not have a second chance. This separation from God becomes their hell.
Hell becomes the separation and punishment from God
New Testament: This term means to cut into separate parts (cut asunder). If the unfaithful servant choses to beat his fellow servants and eat and drink with drunkard, he will be severely punished. The master will come at an unexpected day and hour to punish this servant.
Scripture:
“Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.” Lk.19:27
The king uses his authority to kill his enemies.
“And will punish him severely and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be wailing and grinding of death.” Mt.24:51
Literally, this can mean cutting someone in two. This also can take on the meaning of separating (banishing). Wailing and grinding of teeth depicts the final judgment in hell.
Modern examples of dichotomy: Math (logic): incompatible or opposing principles, Astronomy: phases of the moon, Biology: division and branches of organisms, Politics: opposing political beliefs
Conclusion:
Dichotomy, divide
This term originally took on a literal meaning of cutting into two. It was only later that the New Testament culture develops the figurative meaning of separation and punishment, associated with hell. Essentially, hell is separation from God. Over time, more meanings of dichotomy developed.
“God does not put you in hell. You put yourself there because your hearts become so hardened, so stubborn and inclined to seek your comfort.” Mother Angelica
“Hell is a terrible way to find out that there is a hell.” Mother Angelica