In the context of the Bible, the term "argument" can refer to a reasoned discourse or debate, often involving differing opinions or interpretations. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding arguments, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, humility, and love in resolving disputes.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament contains several instances where arguments arise among individuals or groups. One notable example is the dispute between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot in Genesis 13:7-8. Abram, seeking peace, suggests a separation to avoid further conflict: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers.'" This passage highlights the value of seeking peaceful resolutions to arguments.

Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, offers guidance on handling arguments. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse underscores the power of gentle and wise speech in defusing potential conflicts.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to address the theme of arguments, particularly within the early Christian communities. In Acts 15, the Jerusalem Council is convened to resolve a significant theological dispute regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile believers. The apostles and elders engage in a reasoned discussion, ultimately reaching a consensus that emphasizes grace and unity (Acts 15:28-29).

The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the issue of arguments in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, he urges the church in Corinth to avoid divisions: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and the dangers of contentious disputes within the body of Christ.

In his letter to Timothy, Paul advises against engaging in foolish and ignorant arguments, which only lead to quarrels. Instead, he encourages a servant of the Lord to be kind, able to teach, and patient (2 Timothy 2:23-24). This instruction highlights the need for patience and gentleness in addressing disagreements.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, arguments can be seen as opportunities for growth and understanding when approached with humility and a desire for truth. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom from God in resolving disputes, as seen in James 1:5: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

Furthermore, the Bible warns against the destructive nature of arguments driven by pride or selfish ambition. James 3:16 states, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This verse serves as a caution against allowing personal desires to fuel discord.

Practical Application

In practical terms, Christians are called to approach arguments with a spirit of love and reconciliation. Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "walk with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This passage emphasizes the virtues necessary for maintaining harmony within the Christian community.

Ultimately, the Bible presents a framework for handling arguments that prioritizes peace, understanding, and the pursuit of truth, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.1. (n.) Proof; evidence.

2. (n.) A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.

3. (n.) A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.

4. (n.) The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.

5. (n.) Matter for question; business in hand.

6. (n.) The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.

7. (n.) The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.

8. (v. i.) To make an argument; to argue.

379. anapologetos -- without excuse
... 379 (an adjective, derived from 1 "not" and 626 , "to argue a case") -- properly,
without rationale, lacking any justified defense (argument) -- hence because ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/379.htm - 8k

3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress
... stronghold. From a remote derivative of echo (meaning to fortify, through the idea
of holding safely); a castle (figuratively, argument) -- stronghold. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3794.htm - 7k

4086. pithanologia -- persuasive speech
... Word Origin from a derivation of peitho and logos Definition persuasive speech
NASB Word Usage persuasive argument (1). persuasive speech. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4086.htm - 6k

1487. ei -- forasmuch as, if, that
... 1487 (a conditional conjunction) -- . 1487 (followed by any verb) expresses "a
condition, of as , or to denote " (ie . for the sake of argument) (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1487.htm - 7k

1261. dialogismos -- a reasoning
... Word Origin from dialogizomai Definition a reasoning NASB Word Usage argument (1),
disputing (1), dissension (1), doubts (1), motives (1), opinions (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1261.htm - 7k

1256. dialegomai -- to discuss, to address, to preach
... Middle voice from dia and lego; to say thoroughly, ie Discuss (in argument or
exhortation) -- dispute, preach (unto), reason (with), speak. see GREEK dia. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1256.htm - 8k

3982. peitho -- to persuade, to have confidence
... A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify
or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3982.htm - 10k

1063. gar -- for, indeed (a conjunc. used to express cause ...
... A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation
or intensification; often with other particles) -- and, as, because (that), but ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1063.htm - 7k

8433b. tokachath -- argument, reproof
... 8433a, 8433b. tokachath. 8434 . argument, reproof. Transliteration:
tokachath Short Definition: reproof. Word Origin from yakach ...
/hebrew/8433b.htm - 5k

8434. Tolad -- a city in Simeon
... Word Origin from yalad Definition a city in Simeon NASB Word Usage Tolad (1). argument,
chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, be often reproved. ...
/hebrew/8434.htm - 6k

8394. tebunah -- an understanding
... And (feminine) tbuwnah {teb-oo-naw'}; or towbunah {to-boo-naw'}; from biyn;
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice -- discretion ...
/hebrew/8394.htm - 6k

3198. yakach -- to decide, adjudge, prove
... root Definition to decide, adjudge, prove NASB Word Usage adjudicates (1), appointed
(2), argue (3), argument prove (1), chastened (1), cleared (1), complained ...
/hebrew/3198.htm - 6k

8433. towkechah -- rebuke, correction
... And towkachath {to-kakh'-ath}; from yakach; chastisement; figuratively (by words)
correction, refutation, proof (even in defence) -- argument, X chastened ...
/hebrew/8433.htm - 5k

6110. atsumah -- perhaps defense
... strong. Feminine of atsuwm; a bulwark, ie (figuratively) argument -- strong. see
HEBREW atsuwm. 6109, 6110. atsumah. 6111 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6110.htm - 6k

5066. nagash -- to draw near, approach
... To worship; causatively, to present; figuratively, to adduce an argument; by reversal,
to stand back -- (make to) approach (nigh), bring (forth, hither, near ...
/hebrew/5066.htm - 6k

Argument.
... INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. BOOK FIRST. OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD THE CREATOR
ARGUMENT. The First Book treats of the knowledge of God the Creator. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/argument.htm

The Argument.
... John Chrysostom, archbishop of constantinople, on the epistle of St. paul the apostle
to the ephesians. The Argument. Ephesus is the metropolis of Asia. ...
/.../homilies on gal eph phi col thess tim titus and philemon/the argument.htm

Argument. --Novatian
... Chapter I. Argument."Novatian. Chapter I. Argument."Novatian, with the
View of Treating of the Trinity, Sets Forth from the Rule ...
/.../a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/chapter i argument novatian.htm

The Argument.
... Chapter XXIII."The argument. And that this may now become evident to
you"(firstly [1814] ) that whatever we assert in conformity ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xxiii the argument.htm

Of the Same Argument.
... Book III. Chapter 3."Of the Same Argument. Let us take, then, the case of
a wise man, such that his rational soul is already partaker ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 of the same argument.htm

The Argument of the Arians is Refuted, which is Drawn from the ...
... Book V. Chapter 3."The Argument of the Arians is Refuted, Which is Drawn
from the Words Begotten and Unbegotten. 4. Wherefore,"to ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 the argument of the.htm

by what Argument it is Proved that those who are Distinguished by ...
... gods. Chap. xvi." by what argument it is proved that those who are
distinguished by a difference of sex cannot be gods. I might ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xvi by what argument.htm

To the Argument of the Novatians, that they Only Deny Forgiveness ...
... Two Books Concerning Repentance. Book I. Chapter III. To the argument of the
Novatians, that they only deny forgiveness in the case of? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii to the argument.htm

Of the Argument Drawn from 1 Cor. xi. 5-16.
... Chapter IV."Of the Argument Drawn from 1 Cor. XI. 5-16. But in ... bidden."
But we withal retort the self-same line of argument. For ...
/.../tertullian/on the veiling of virgins/chapter iv of the argument drawn.htm

Argument for the Resurrection from the Purpose Contemplated in ...
... Chapter XII."Argument for the Resurrection From the Purpose Contemplated
in Man's Creation. The argument from the cause will appear ...
/.../chapter xii argument for the resurrection.htm

Argument (45 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the
mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or ...
/a/argument.htm - 19k

Argumentative (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Consisting of, or characterized by, argument;
containing a process of reasoning; as, an argumentative discourse. ...
/a/argumentative.htm - 7k

Reason (438 Occurrences)
... for an action or a determination; proof, more or less decisive, for an opinion or
a conclusion; principle; efficient cause; final cause; ground of argument. ...
/r/reason.htm - 39k

Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... en-ro'-gel (`en roghel; pege Rhogel; meaning uncertain, but interpreted by some
to mean "the spring of the fuller"): No argument from this meaning can be valid ...
/e/enrogel.htm - 15k

En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... en-ro'-gel (`en roghel; pege Rhogel; meaning uncertain, but interpreted by some
to mean "the spring of the fuller"): No argument from this meaning can be valid ...
/e/en-rogel.htm - 15k

Philemon (2 Occurrences)
... is not commended in Ephesians, he had already been left behind at Colosse; against
which there are advanced the precarious value of an argument from silence ...
/p/philemon.htm - 17k

Arguing (12 Occurrences)
... Mark 12:28 And one of the scribes came, and hearing their argument together, and
seeing that he had given them a good answer, put the question to him, Which ...
/a/arguing.htm - 9k

Dead (580 Occurrences)
... Paul's Argument: Some of the Corinthian Christians denied the resurrection of the
dead, and Paul advances three arguments to convince them that the dead will ...
/d/dead.htm - 80k

Immortal (3 Occurrences)
... 1. Its Origin 2. Philosophical Arguments (1) The Soul Spiritual Soul not Inherently
Indestructible (2) Capacities of Human Nature (3) The Moral Argument II. ...
/i/immortal.htm - 33k

Brethren (528 Occurrences)
... In Matthew 12:46; Mark 3:31; Luke 8:19, while Jesus was in the midst of an earnest
argument with scribes and Pharisees, His mother and brothers sent a message ...
/b/brethren.htm - 51k

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