Topical Encyclopedia Contention, as understood within the biblical context, refers to strife, dispute, or conflict that arises between individuals or groups. The Bible addresses contention in various forms, often highlighting its destructive nature and the importance of seeking peace and unity among believers.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, contention is frequently associated with discord and division. Proverbs, a book rich in wisdom literature, warns against the dangers of contention. Proverbs 13:10 states, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." This verse suggests that pride and arrogance are often the root causes of contention, while wisdom and humility can prevent it. Another significant reference is found in Proverbs 17:14 : "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This imagery underscores the potential for contention to escalate into larger conflicts if not addressed promptly and wisely. New Testament References The New Testament continues to address the issue of contention, particularly within the context of the early Christian church. The Apostle Paul frequently admonishes believers to avoid strife and to pursue peace. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 , Paul appeals to the church in Corinth, saying, "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's letters often emphasize the importance of unity and the dangers of contention. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he lists "strife" and "dissensions" among the works of the flesh, contrasting them with the fruit of the Spirit, which includes peace and gentleness. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, contention is seen as contrary to the nature of God, who is a God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The presence of contention within the body of Christ is viewed as a hindrance to the church's mission and witness. Believers are called to emulate Christ, who is described as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and to strive for harmony and reconciliation. Practical Applications In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to address contention through prayer, seeking wisdom from God, and practicing humility and forgiveness. James 1:19-20 advises, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This counsel highlights the importance of self-control and patience in resolving disputes. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount provide guidance on dealing with contention. In Matthew 5:9 , He declares, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude underscores the value placed on those who actively seek to resolve conflicts and promote peace. Conclusion Contention, while a common human experience, is addressed in Scripture as a condition to be avoided and resolved. Through the wisdom of the Bible, believers are equipped to handle disputes in a manner that reflects the character of Christ and fosters unity within the church and the broader community. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A violent effort or struggle to obtain, or to resist, something; contest; strife.2. (n.) Strife in words; controversy; altercation; quarrel; dispute; as, a bone of contention. 3. (n.) Vehemence of endeavor; eagerness; ardor; zeal. 4. (n.) A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion or strife; a position taken or contended for. 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 2054. eris -- strife ... strife. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eris Phonetic Spelling: (er'-is) Short Definition: contention, strife Definition: contention, strife ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2054.htm - 6k 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle 485. antilogia -- gainsaying, contradiction 3948. paroxusmos -- stimulation, provocation 3163. mache -- a fight 5379. philoneikia -- love of strife 3055. logomachia -- a strife of words 2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition 139. hairesis -- choice, opinion Strong's Hebrew 4066. madon -- strife, contention... 4065, 4066. madon. 4067 . strife, contention. Transliteration: madon Phonetic Spelling: (maw-dohn') Short Definition: strife. Word ... /hebrew/4066.htm - 6k 4683. matstsah -- strife, contention 4079. midyan -- brawling, contention 4695. matstsuth -- strife, contention 4808. meribah -- strife, contention 8409. tigrah -- contention, strife, hostility 6230. Eseq -- "contention," a well in Gerar 7379. rib -- strife, dispute Library Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin? Whether Contention is a Daughter of Vainglory? Of Contention (Two Articles) Then in this Great Contention of My Inward Dwelling... There Should be no Contention in Matters which are in Themselves ... Avoid Words of Contention and Causes of Animosity: Flee Also from ... Moses of Old Stilled the Contention which Arose Concerning the ... Moses of Old Stilled the Contention which Arose Concerning the ... Contention Over the Man Born Blind. Whether the Daughters of Vainglory are Suitably Reckoned to be ... Thesaurus Contention (24 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Strife in words; controversy; altercation; quarrel; dispute; as, a bone of contention. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONTEND; CONTENTION. ... /c/contention.htm - 15k Contentious (13 Occurrences) Contend (56 Occurrences) Strife (71 Occurrences) Grievance (7 Occurrences) Feud (1 Occurrence) Exciteth (2 Occurrences) Discord (7 Occurrences) Controversy (21 Occurrences) Contest (7 Occurrences) Resources Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Federal Vision Theology? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a contentious or quarrelsome woman? | GotQuestions.org Contention: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Contention (24 Occurrences)Luke 22:24 Acts 15:39 Acts 19:38 Philippians 1:15 Philippians 1:16 Philippians 1:17 1 Thessalonians 2:2 1 Timothy 3:3 Genesis 13:8 Exodus 17:7 Psalms 80:6 Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 15:18 Proverbs 16:28 Proverbs 17:14 Proverbs 18:6 Proverbs 22:10 Proverbs 26:20 Proverbs 28:25 Proverbs 29:22 Isaiah 58:4 Jeremiah 15:10 Hosea 4:4 Habakkuk 1:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |