Lexical Summary diaparatribé: Dispute, Controversy, Argument Original Word: διαπαρατριβή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance always, continually. From dia and the genitive case of pas; through all time, i.e. (adverbially) constantly -- alway(-s), continually. see GREEK dia see GREEK pas HELPS Word-studies 1275 diapantós (from 1223 /diá, "through" intensifying 3956 /pás, pantos, "each, every") – properly, through the entire time (each moment of each circumstance), continually (ongoingly). Depending on the context, 1275 (diapantós) can mean "over and over again" (intermittently) or "always" (without interruption), because it principally relates to time (in each physical scene of life). [In some texts, 1275 (diapantós) is written as separate words (1223 /diá and 3956 /pás, pantos). In either event, the compound conveys "throughout the whole time" which naturally includes each physical circumstance.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and paratribé (friction, irritation) Definition mutual irritation NASB Translation constant friction (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1275: διαπαντόςδιαπαντός, see διά, A. II. 1. a. STRONGS NT 1275a: διαπαρατριβήδιαπαρατριβή, διαπαρατριβης, ἡ, constant contention, incessant wrangling or strife, (παρατριβη, attrition; contention, wrangling); a word justly adopted in 1 Timothy 6:5 by G L T Tr WH (for Rec. παραδιατριβαί, which see); not found elsewhere (except Clement of Alexandria, etc.); cf. Winer's Grammar, 102 (96). Cf. the double compounds διαπαρατήρειν, 2 Samuel 3:30; also (doubtful, it must be confessed), διαπαρακύπτομαι, 1 Kings 6:4 Ald.; διαπαροξύνω, Josephus, Antiquities 10, 7, 5. (Stephanus' Thesaurus also gives διαπαράγω, Gregory of Nyssa, ii. 177 b.; διαπαραλαμβάνω; διαπαρασιωπάω, Josephus, Genes., p. 9 a.; διαπαρασύρω, Schol. Lucian. ii. 796 Hemst.) Διαπαρατριβή denotes a process of continual rubbing-together that wears something down. Carried over into relational language, it pictures the abrasive, grinding clash of personalities and ideas that produces sustained irritation, resentment and erosion of fellowship. Kindred ideas in Scripture include “strife” (ἐρις), “envy” (φθόνος) and “quarreling” (μάχαι), each describing relational decay brought about by sin-driven self-interest. Textual and Canonical Considerations While no universally accepted New Testament text contains the word in its lemma form, a closely related inflected form is attested in several manuscripts of 1 Timothy 6:5, where Paul catalogues the bitter fruit of speculative teaching. Whether one regards the reading as original or as a scribal gloss that sharpened Paul’s list, the term’s presence in that textual tradition shows how early Christian scribes understood the apostle’s warning: false teaching inevitably generates a grinding friction that wears down the unity and holiness of a congregation. Greco-Roman and Septuagint Background In classical Greek, the root imagery appears in medical and mechanical contexts for chafing, galling or the wearing away of skin, wood or metal. The Septuagint uses related verbs for the erosion of stones by water (Job 14:19) and the dulling effect of constant pressure. These secular and Jewish uses prepare the way for early Christians to appropriate the word as a vivid metaphor for moral and communal corrosion. Theological Significance 1. A Portrait of False Teaching False doctrine does not merely misinform; it abrades. By fostering pride, envy and suspicion, it grinds believers against one another until the shared life of the body is thinned and weakened. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice” (James 3:16). Διαπαρατριβή graphically names the process behind that disorder. 2. The Slow Erosion of Conscience Repeated exposure to corrosive speech dulls spiritual sensitivities. Paul warns that, by entertaining profane chatter, “their message will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:17). The same dynamic is at work in διαπαρατριβή: the slow, almost imperceptible loss of edge in discernment and devotion. 3. A Counter-Vision of Persevering Love Against the abrasive effects of sin stands the smoothing influence of agapē. “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). Where persistent friction wears away, steadfast love bears and believes all things, polishing rather than grinding, shaping rather than destroying. Historical Reception and Patristic Use Early church writers employed διαπαρατριβή and its cognates to describe the sectarian tendencies of heretics. Tertullian speaks of teachers who “rub believers against one another” until the unity of the Spirit is frayed. Chrysostom, commenting on 1 Timothy, warns that arguments over words “sand away” Christian affection. In their pastoral counsel, the Fathers consistently viewed the phenomenon as a moral cancer best excised through sound doctrine, charitable speech and church discipline. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Guarding the Teaching Ministry Elders are charged to “hold firmly to the trustworthy word as taught” (Titus 1:9). Vigilance in doctrine not only preserves truth; it prevents the relational abrasion that error brings. 2. Cultivating Healthy Disagreement Not all debate is harmful. Acts 15 records vigorous discussion that led to communal strengthening. The difference lies in motive and method. Διαπαρατριβή warns leaders to watch for the tell-tale signs of corrosive contention: escalating suspicion, personal attacks, and an atmosphere in which winning outweighs edifying. 3. Restorative Discipline When friction arises, Scripture prescribes patient correction (2 Timothy 2:24-25) aimed at repentance and reconciliation, replacing abrasive resistance with the Spirit’s gentle refining. Connections to Broader Biblical Themes • Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) – constantly threatened by abrasive talk. Conclusion Διαπαρατριβή offers the church a stark image: the slow, grinding erosion produced by sin-shaped speech and teaching. Though the term itself appears only in variant readings, the reality it names is woven throughout Scripture. By clinging to sound doctrine, practicing gracious conversation and pursuing restorative peace, believers counteract the corrosive power of constant friction and display the enduring love of the gospel. Englishman's Concordance διανοίας — 2 Occ.διανοιῶν — 1 Occ. Διανοίχθητι — 1 Occ. διανοίγων — 1 Occ. διανοῖγον — 1 Occ. διηνοίχθησαν — 1 Occ. διήνοιγεν — 1 Occ. διηνοιγμένους — 1 Occ. διήνοιξεν — 2 Occ. διανυκτερεύων — 1 Occ. διαπεράσαντες — 2 Occ. διαπεράσαντος — 1 Occ. διαπερῶν — 1 Occ. διαπερῶσιν — 1 Occ. διεπέρασεν — 1 Occ. διαπλεύσαντες — 1 Occ. διαπονηθεὶς — 1 Occ. διαπονούμενοι — 1 Occ. διαπορεύεσθαι — 1 Occ. διαπορευόμενος — 1 Occ. |
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