Topical Encyclopedia The term "contend" in the Bible often refers to the act of striving, struggling, or engaging in a dispute or argument, whether in a physical, verbal, or spiritual context. It is a concept that appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the human experience of conflict and the divine call to uphold truth and righteousness.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "contend" is "riyb" (רִיב), which can mean to strive, dispute, or plead. One notable instance is found in the book of Isaiah, where God calls His people to reason together with Him: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD" (Isaiah 1:18). Here, the idea of contending is not merely about conflict but about engaging in a dialogue aimed at reconciliation and understanding. Another significant usage is in the context of God contending with His people due to their disobedience. In Jeremiah 2:9, God declares, "Therefore I will contend with you again, declares the LORD, and I will contend with your children’s children." This highlights God's role as a righteous judge who holds His people accountable. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "epagonizomai" (ἐπαγωνίζομαι) is used in Jude 1:3, where believers are exhorted to "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" . This passage underscores the importance of defending the core truths of the Christian faith against false teachings and heresies. The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of contending in a spiritual sense. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, he writes, "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one" . Here, the metaphor of athletic competition is used to describe the Christian life as one of disciplined striving towards spiritual goals. Spiritual Warfare Contending is also a key theme in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . This passage calls Christians to be vigilant and to equip themselves with the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. Interpersonal and Legal Contexts In addition to spiritual and theological contexts, contending can also refer to interpersonal disputes and legal matters. Proverbs 25:9 advises, "Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence" , emphasizing the importance of integrity and discretion in resolving conflicts. God as the Ultimate Contender Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as the ultimate contender who fights on behalf of His people. In Isaiah 49:25, the LORD declares, "I will contend with those who contend with you, and I will save your children" . This assurance of divine intervention provides comfort and hope to believers facing opposition. In summary, the biblical concept of contending encompasses a range of meanings, from engaging in disputes to defending the faith and participating in spiritual warfare. It calls believers to stand firm in truth, exercise discernment, and rely on God's strength in the face of challenges. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.2. (v. i.) To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend. 3. (v. i.) To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue. 4. (v. t.) To struggle for; to contest. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CONTEND; CONTENTIONkon-tend', kon-ten'-shun: The meeting of effort by effort, striving against opposition; sometimes physically, as in battle (Deuteronomy 2:9), or with horses (Jeremiah 12:5), sometimes orally (Nehemiah 13:11), sometimes spiritually (Isaiah 57:16). In the New Testament diakrinein, for the hostile separation of one from another, dispute (Jude 1:9), or epagonizomai (Jude 1:3), descriptive of the strain to which a contestant is put. The noun is almost universally used with an unfavorable meaning, and as worthy of condemnation, for an altercation arising from a quarrelsome disposition. "By pride cometh only contention" (Proverbs 13:10). The contentions at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11) called forth the rebukes of Paul. Where used in the King James Version in a good sense (1 Thessalonians 2:2) the Revised Version (British and American) has "conflict." In Acts 15:39, the noun has a peculiar force, where English Versions of the Bible translates paroxusmos (whence English "paroxysm") by "sharp contention." The Greek word refers rather to the inner excitement and irritation than to its outward expression. Greek 1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for ... to contend with or for. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: epagonizomai Phonetic Spelling: (ep-ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I contend earnestly for ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1864.htm - 7k 75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle 118. athleo -- to contend, wrestle 2051. erizo -- to wrangle, strive 3054. logomacheo -- to strive with words 4754. strateuo -- to make war, hence to serve as a soldier 1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge 4170. polemeo -- to make war 1264. diamachomai -- to struggle against 3164. machomai -- to fight Strong's Hebrew 7378. rib -- to strive, contend... 7377, 7378. rib or rub. 7379 . to strive, contend. Transliteration: rib or rub Phonetic Spelling: (reeb) Short Definition: contend. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7378.htm - 6k 3377. Yareb -- "let him contend," the name of an Assyrian king 3380. Yerubbesheth -- "shame will contend," a name of Gideon 3378. Yerubbaal -- "let Baal contend," a name of Gideon 6229. asaq -- to contend 1624. garah -- to stir up (strife), engage in strife 3401. yarib -- opponent, adversary 7379. rib -- strife, dispute 8199. shaphat -- to judge, govern 8474. tacharah -- habergeon Library To those who Contend that the Spirit Because He is Called the ... The Pelagians Contend that the Grace, which is Neither the Law nor ... Preparation for Passover. Disciples Contend for Precedence. Come, Let us Hear How they Contend for victory: the Guilty Ones ... In the Next Place, Celsus, after Referring to the Enthusiasm with ... CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23). Psalm LXV. Introduction. As Regards Our Reverend Friend Epiphanius, this is Strange ... Love's Labours Thesaurus Contend (56 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To struggle for; to contest. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONTEND; CONTENTION. ... HE Jacobs. Multi-Version Concordance Contend (56 Occurrences). ... /c/contend.htm - 24k Fight (265 Occurrences) Baal's (6 Occurrences) Contended (24 Occurrences) Fights (9 Occurrences) Breaks (35 Occurrences) Ba'al (55 Occurrences) Contends (6 Occurrences) Defend (38 Occurrences) Pulled (84 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to contend for the faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is apostasy and how can I recognize it? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org Contend: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Contend (56 Occurrences)Matthew 12:19 2 Timothy 2:5 2 Timothy 2:14 2 Timothy 2:24 Jude 1:3 Genesis 6:3 Genesis 26:22 Genesis 45:24 Exodus 21:18 Exodus 21:22 Deuteronomy 2:5 Deuteronomy 2:9 Deuteronomy 2:19 Deuteronomy 2:24 Deuteronomy 33:7 Judges 6:31 Judges 6:32 1 Samuel 2:10 2 Samuel 22:27 2 Kings 14:10 2 Chronicles 25:19 Job 9:3 Job 10:2 Job 13:8 Job 13:19 Job 23:6 Job 33:13 Job 40:2 Psalms 18:26 Psalms 35:1 Psalms 35:23 Psalms 103:9 Psalms 127:5 Proverbs 3:30 Proverbs 28:4 Ecclesiastes 6:10 Isaiah 3:13 Isaiah 27:8 Isaiah 41:11 Isaiah 41:12 Isaiah 45:9 Isaiah 49:25 Isaiah 50:8 Isaiah 57:16 Isaiah 66:16 Jeremiah 2:9 Jeremiah 2:29 Jeremiah 12:1 Jeremiah 12:5 Jeremiah 18:19 Daniel 11:40 Hosea 2:2 Hosea 4:4 Amos 7:4 Micah 6:1 Micah 6:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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