Definition and Etymology:
The term "makebates" refers to individuals who incite discord, strife, or contention among others. The word is derived from the Old English "macian" (to make) and "bǣtan" (to bait or to cause to fight). In a biblical context, makebates are those who sow discord among brethren, acting contrary to the unity and peace that Scripture advocates.

Biblical References and Context:
While the specific term "makebates" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is addressed throughout Scripture. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists things that the Lord hates, including "a false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers." This passage highlights the severity of causing division within the community of believers.

Proverbs 16:28 further elaborates on this theme: "A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Here, the makebate is likened to a perverse individual, emphasizing the moral corruption involved in spreading strife.

Characteristics of Makebates:
Makebates are often characterized by their use of deceit, gossip, and slander to achieve their ends. They may manipulate situations or conversations to create misunderstandings and conflicts. Their actions are typically driven by selfish motives, such as jealousy, pride, or a desire for power and control.

Consequences of Makebating:
The Bible warns of the destructive nature of makebating. James 3:5-6 compares the tongue to a small fire that can set a great forest ablaze, illustrating how words can cause significant harm. The division sown by makebates can lead to broken relationships, weakened communities, and a departure from the unity that Christ desires for His Church.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:
From a moral and spiritual perspective, makebates stand in opposition to the teachings of Christ, who calls for love, peace, and reconciliation among His followers. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Makebates, by contrast, disrupt this unity and hinder the work of the Holy Spirit within the body of Christ.

Response to Makebates:
Scripture provides guidance on how to respond to makebates. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of confronting the individual in a spirit of love and seeking reconciliation. Additionally, believers are encouraged to guard their hearts and tongues, as advised in Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life."

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not use the term "makebates," the concept is clearly addressed through its teachings on unity, peace, and the dangers of discord. Believers are called to be peacemakers, reflecting the character of Christ and fostering harmony within the body of believers.MAKEBATES

mik'-bats: This is the plural of the word makebate, which means "one who stirs up strife." It occurs only in the King James Version margin of 2 Timothy 3:3 and Titus 2:3 as an alternative translation of diaboloi, which the King James Version renders "false accusers," and the Revised Version (British and American) "slanderers."

Makebates
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MAKEBATES. mik'-bats: This is the plural
of the word makebate, which means "one who stirs up strife ...
/m/makebates.htm - 6k

Make (12882 Occurrences)

/m/make.htm - 22k

Debate (13 Occurrences)
... It argues for and shows the advantage of private, peaceable settlement of
difficulties. Compare Ecclesiasticus 28:9, and see MAKEBATES. ...
/d/debate.htm - 11k

Make-believe (1 Occurrence)
Make-believe. Makebates, Make-believe. Maked . Noah Webster's Dictionary ...
(WEY). Makebates, Make-believe. Maked . Reference Bible.
/m/make-believe.htm - 6k

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