Lexical Summary logomacheó: To argue about words, to wrangle over words Original Word: λογομαχέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to dispute about wordsFrom a compound of logos and machomai; to be disputatious (on trifles) -- strive about words. see GREEK logos see GREEK machomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom logos and machomai Definition to strive with words NASB Translation wrangle about words (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3054: λογομαχέωλογομαχέω, λογομάχω; (from λγομαχος, and this from λόγος and μάχομαι); to contend about words; contextually, to wrangle about empty and trifling matters: 2 Timothy 2:14. (Not found in secular authors.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Conceptual Overview Stripped of lexical detail, λογομαχεῖν describes the practice of battling with words—verbal sparring that majors on semantics while neglecting substance. Paul treats this propensity as spiritually corrosive, a misuse of speech that undermines the edification and unity Scripture commands. Biblical Usage The sole New Testament appearance lies in Paul’s charge to Timothy: “Remind them of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words; this is in no way beneficial and leads to the ruin of the hearers.” (2 Timothy 2:14) Here the apostle places λογομαχεῖν in stark contrast to “the word of truth” that Timothy must “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15). The verse functions as a hinge: positive exhortation to faithful exposition is followed immediately by negative prohibition of vain disputation. Historical and Cultural Background First-century Greco-Roman society prized rhetorical prowess. Sophists earned reputations by dazzling crowds with dialectical skill, often delighting in technicalities and paradoxes. Into this context the gospel arrived, not as another cerebral contest but as “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Paul, familiar with both rabbinic debates and Hellenistic rhetoric, refuses to let gospel heralds be reduced to verbal gladiators. Theological Emphases 1. Edification over Destruction: Verbal warfare “leads to the ruin of the hearers,” while sound doctrine “builds up” (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 8:1). Relation to Other Pauline Warnings • 1 Timothy 1:3-7 links “endless genealogies” and “fruitless discussion” to deviation from “love that comes from a pure heart.” Together these passages form a pastoral theology: shepherds guard the flock by shutting down verbal quarrels that erode faith and fellowship. Ministry Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Expositors must clarify essentials, refuse distractions, and model gracious dialogue. Warnings and Illustrations Negative examples span Scripture: the Pharisees’ captious questions (Matthew 22:15), the Corinthians’ party slogans (1 Corinthians 1:12), and Hymenaeus and Philetus who “deviated from the truth” (2 Timothy 2:17-18). Each instance shows how word-centrism, severed from gospel content, yields doctrinal decay and fractured relationships. Echoes in Early Church History Post-apostolic writers lamented “empty talkers” (Ignatius, To the Trallians 9) and combated Gnostic speculations. Irenaeus described heretics who “force a diversity of meanings from the same words,” warning that such verbal acrobatics shipwreck faith, echoing Paul’s concern in 2 Timothy 2:14. Practical Implications for Today Digital platforms magnify opportunities for λογομαχεῖν. Christians must: Passages for Further Study Proverbs 15:1; Proverbs 17:14; Ecclesiastes 12:11; Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Colossians 4:6; 2 Timothy 2:23-26; James 3:13-18. Forms and Transliterations λογομαχειν λογομαχείν λογομαχεῖν logomachein logomacheînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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