3055. logomachia

Lexicon

logomachia: Word battle, dispute about words, quarrel over words

Original Word: λογομαχία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: logomachia
Pronunciation: lo-go-ma-HEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (log-om-akh-ee'-ah)
Definition: Word battle, dispute about words, quarrel over words
Meaning: contention about words, an unprofitable controversy.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a dispute about words

From the same as logomacheo; disputation about trifles ("logomachy") -- strife of words.

see GREEK logomacheo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from logomacheó
Definition
a strife of words
NASB Translation
disputes about words (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3055: λογομαχία

λογομαχία, λογομαχίας, ἡ (λογομαχέω), dispute about words, war of words, or about trivial and empty things: plural 1 Timothy 6:4. (Not found in secular authors.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words λόγος (logos), meaning "word" or "speech," and μάχη (machē), meaning "battle" or "fight."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for λογομαχία, the concept of contentious or divisive speech can be related to Hebrew terms such as רִיב (riyb), meaning "strife" or "contention," and מַדּוֹן (madon), meaning "quarrel" or "dispute." These terms similarly convey the idea of conflict arising from disagreements or arguments.

Usage: The term λογομαχία is used in the New Testament to describe contentious debates or arguments that focus on words rather than substantive issues. It is often associated with fruitless discussions that lead to division rather than edification.

Context: The term λογομαχία appears in the New Testament in the context of warnings against engaging in futile and divisive arguments. In 1 Timothy 6:4, the Apostle Paul cautions against those who have an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, which result in envy, strife, abusive talk, and evil suspicions. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "He is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions."

The use of λογομαχία highlights the danger of focusing on trivial or semantic disputes that detract from the core message of the Gospel. Such arguments can lead to division within the Christian community and distract believers from their primary mission of spreading the message of Christ. The emphasis is on avoiding these fruitless debates and instead fostering unity and understanding through sound teaching and a focus on the essential truths of the faith.

In the broader context of the New Testament, believers are encouraged to pursue peace and edification, avoiding quarrels that do not contribute to spiritual growth or the advancement of the Gospel. The admonition against λογομαχία serves as a reminder to prioritize meaningful dialogue and to seek harmony within the body of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

λογομαχιας λογομαχίας logomachias logomachías

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 6:4 N-AFP
GRK: ζητήσεις καὶ λογομαχίας ἐξ ὧν
NAS: in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which
KJV: and strifes of words, whereof
INT: questions and disputes of words out of which

Strong's Greek 3055
1 Occurrence

λογομαχίας — 1 Occ.