Lexical Summary diamachomai: To contend earnestly, to strive vehemently, to argue intensely. Original Word: διαμάχομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strive. From dia and machomai; to fight fiercely (in altercation) -- strive. see GREEK dia see GREEK machomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and machomai Definition to struggle against NASB Translation argue heatedly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1264: διαμάχομαιδιαμάχομαι: imperfect διεμαχομην; to fight it out; contend fiercely: of disputants, Acts 23:9. (Sir. 8:1, 3; very frequent in Attic writings.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Range and Nuances Although found only once in the Greek New Testament, the verb conveys vigorous, face-to-face contention. It is more than mere debate; it pictures combatants striving with passionate intensity, each convinced of the rightness of his position. The term presumes a public setting where words become weapons, yet it still falls short of physical violence. Biblical Occurrence and Context Acts 23:9 recounts the meeting of the Sanhedrin after Paul has declared, “I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I stand on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead.” The council instantly divides. Luke records, “Then a great uproar broke out, and some of the scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up and contended sharply, saying, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?’” (Acts 23:9). The verb translated “contended sharply” captures how Pharisees and Sadducees, long united in their opposition to the gospel, suddenly clash with one another when confronted by the truth of resurrection. Historical Background The Sanhedrin was composed primarily of Sadducees, who denied resurrection, angels, and spirits, and Pharisees, who affirmed them (Acts 23:8). Paul’s shrewd appeal exposed a fault line centuries in the making, rooted in differing interpretations of the Law and Prophets. The Sadducees limited binding authority to the Pentateuch, whereas the Pharisees embraced the whole canon and oral traditions. The dispute in Acts 23 therefore epitomizes a broader intellectual and theological struggle within Second-Temple Judaism. Implications for Doctrine and Church Life 1. Resurrection as Core Doctrine: The sharp contention validates the centrality of resurrection in apostolic preaching (Acts 4:2; 17:18; 24:15). The ferocity of the debate underscores that removing resurrection unravels biblical hope (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). Practical Ministry Applications • Handling Controversy: The term warns against needless rancor (2 Timothy 2:24), yet also affirms a place for firm defense of essential truth (Jude 3). Ministers must learn to “speak the truth in love” while refusing to compromise on foundational doctrines. Christological Reflection Paul’s predicament mirrors Christ’s earlier trials, where religious factions united against the Messiah yet were divided among themselves (Luke 23:12; John 11:47-53). The gospel exposes human agendas, compelling each heart to take sides concerning Jesus’ resurrection and lordship (Acts 17:31). The single occurrence of this verb thereby points to the ultimate contest—whether one will resist or submit to the risen Christ. Forms and Transliterations διεμαχοντο διεμάχοντο diemachonto diemáchontoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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