Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, a quarrel refers to a dispute or conflict between individuals, often characterized by anger, disagreement, or contention. The Bible addresses the nature, causes, and consequences of quarrels, providing guidance on how believers should handle such situations.Old Testament References The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of quarrels, often highlighting the destructive nature of strife and the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary disputes. Proverbs, a book known for its practical wisdom, offers several insights: · Proverbs 17:14 states, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding the initiation of conflict, as it can lead to greater destruction. · Proverbs 20:3 advises, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." Here, the text underscores the virtue of seeking peace and resolution rather than engaging in foolish arguments. The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 illustrates the tragic consequences of unresolved anger and jealousy, leading to the first murder. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing quarrels to escalate unchecked. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of quarrels, particularly within the context of Christian community and relationships. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize reconciliation, forgiveness, and love as antidotes to conflict. · In Matthew 5:23-24 , Jesus instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." This passage highlights the priority of reconciliation over religious rituals, stressing the importance of resolving conflicts promptly. · The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the issue of quarrels within the early church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10 , he appeals to the believers, "I urge 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 exhortation underscores the need for unity and harmony among Christians. · James 4:1-2 provides insight into the root causes of quarrels: "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight." This passage points to internal desires and selfishness as the source of many disputes. Practical Guidance The Bible offers practical guidance for dealing with quarrels, emphasizing the virtues of patience, humility, and love: · Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This instruction calls for a spirit of gentleness and a commitment to maintaining peace within the community. · Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Forgiveness is presented as a crucial element in resolving disputes and preventing ongoing conflict. In summary, the biblical perspective on quarrels emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary disputes, seeking reconciliation, and fostering a spirit of unity and love among believers. Through the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible provides a framework for understanding and addressing conflicts in a manner that honors God and promotes peace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An arrow for a crossbow; -- so named because it commonly had a square head.2. (n.) Any small square or quadrangular member 3. (n.) A square of glass, esp. when set diagonally. 4. (n.) A small opening in window tracery, of which the cusps, etc., make the form nearly square. 5. (n.) A square or lozenge-shaped paving tile. 6. (n.) A glazier's diamond. 7. (n.) A four-sided cutting tool or chisel having a diamond-shaped end. 8. (n.) A breach of concord, amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his father about expenses. 9. (n.) Ground of objection, dislike, difference, or hostility; cause of dispute or contest; occasion of altercation. 10. (n.) Earnest desire or longing. 11. (v. i.) To violate concord or agreement; to have a difference; to fall out; to be or become antagonistic. 12. (v. i.) To dispute angrily, or violently; to wrangle; to scold; to altercate; to contend; to fight. 13. (v. i.) To find fault; to cavil; as, to quarrel with one's lot. 14. (v. t.) To quarrel with. 15. (v. t.) To compel by a quarrel; as, to quarrel a man out of his estate or rights. 16. (n.) One who quarrels or wrangles; one who is quarrelsome. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia QUARRELkwor'-el: Originally (1) "a complaint" (compare "querulous"), or (2) "a cause of complaint," and so (3) "a contention." Greek 2054. eris -- strife ... 2054 (a primitive word, dictionary) -- literally quarrel, strife; properly, a readiness to quarrel (having a spirit), affection for dispute. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2054.htm - 6k 1758. enecho -- to hold in or upon, ie to ensnare, by impl. to ... 3163. mache -- a fight 3437. momphe -- blame 3164. machomai -- to fight 2051. erizo -- to wrangle, strive 5380. philoneikos -- fond of strife 4170. polemeo -- to make war Strong's Hebrew 1481b. gur -- to stir up strife, quarrel... 1481a, 1481b. gur. 1481c . to stir up strife, quarrel. Transliteration: gur Short Definition: assails. Word Origin a prim. root ... /hebrew/1481b.htm - 5k 4695. matstsuth -- strife, contention 579. anah -- to be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunely 5359. naqam -- vengeance 7378. rib -- to strive, contend 4808. meribah -- strife, contention 4066. madon -- strife, contention 6586. pasha -- to rebel, transgress 7379. rib -- strife, dispute 7264. ragaz -- to be agitated, quiver, quake, be excited ... Library The End of the Quarrel In the Quarrel Earlier Alluded to Between the Energetic ... They that Quarrel at the Manner of God's Revealing Himself are ... How There Happened a Quarrel Between the Jews and the Samaritans ... How Upon the Quarrel Between Antiochus Grypus and Antiochus ... Whether Strife is a Daughter of Anger? We Say Then that the Female Holds up with Two Strong Arms These ... Still Another Triplet Knox in the English Puritan Troubles at Frankfort: 1554-1555 Happiness and goodness, according to canting moralists, stand in ... Thesaurus Quarrel (22 Occurrences)... disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a brawl; an altercation; as, he had a quarrel with his ... /q/quarrel.htm - 15k Quarreled (8 Occurrences) Wrangle (1 Occurrence) Quarreling (17 Occurrences) Square (94 Occurrences) Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Quarantined (1 Occurrence) Quarrelsome (9 Occurrences) Variance (1 Occurrence) Killed (352 Occurrences) Resources What is the meaning of “you have not because you ask not” in James 4:2? | GotQuestions.orgDid Moses copy the Law from the Code of Hammurabi? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about dealing with difficult people? | GotQuestions.org Quarrel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Quarrel (22 Occurrences)Matthew 12:19 Mark 6:19 Colossians 3:13 2 Timothy 2:24 James 4:2 Genesis 26:22 Genesis 45:24 Exodus 17:2 Exodus 17:7 Exodus 21:18 Leviticus 26:25 Judges 11:25 2 Kings 5:7 2 Chronicles 35:21 Proverbs 15:18 Proverbs 17:14 Proverbs 17:19 Proverbs 20:3 Proverbs 26:17 Proverbs 26:20 Isaiah 41:12 Isaiah 58:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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