Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Strife, a term frequently encountered in the Bible, refers to conflict, discord, or contention among individuals or groups. It is often depicted as a destructive force that disrupts peace and harmony, both in personal relationships and within communities. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings on the nature of strife, its causes, and the ways to address and overcome it.Biblical References and Teachings 1. Nature and Consequences of Strife: · Proverbs 17:14 warns about the beginnings of strife, likening it to the release of water: "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This imagery highlights how strife can quickly escalate and become uncontrollable. · James 3:16 states, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This verse connects strife with jealousy and selfish ambition, indicating that such attitudes lead to chaos and moral decay. 2. Causes of Strife: · Proverbs 13:10 notes, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." Pride and arrogance are identified as root causes of strife, suggesting that humility and seeking wise counsel can prevent conflict. · Galatians 5:19-21 lists strife among the "acts of the flesh," alongside other sins such as idolatry and envy. This passage underscores the sinful nature of strife and its incompatibility with a life led by the Spirit. 3. Avoiding and Resolving Strife: · Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone." This exhortation encourages believers to pursue peace actively and to avoid unnecessary conflict. · Matthew 5:9 records Jesus' words, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude highlights the value placed on peacemaking and reconciliation, contrasting it with the destructive nature of strife. 4. Strife in the Early Church: · The early church faced its share of strife, as seen in Acts 15:2 , where a sharp dispute arose over the issue of circumcision. The resolution of this conflict through dialogue and the guidance of the Holy Spirit serves as a model for addressing strife within the Christian community. · 1 Corinthians 1:10-11 addresses divisions within the Corinthian church: "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 unity and agreement as antidotes to strife. Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to recognize the destructive nature of strife and to actively pursue peace and reconciliation. This involves cultivating humility, seeking wisdom, and prioritizing unity within the body of Christ. By doing so, Christians can reflect the character of God and promote harmony in their relationships and communities. Topical Bible Verses Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins. Topicalbible.org 2 Timothy 2:23-25 Mark 3:24 Proverbs 16:28 Habakkuk 1:3 Luke 12:51-53 Isaiah 41:11 Matthew 5:25 Isaiah 58:4 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of striving; earnest endeavor.2. (n.) Exertion or contention for superiority; contest of emulation, either by intellectual or physical efforts. 3. (n.) Altercation; violent contention; fight; battle. 4. (n.) That which is contended against; occasion of contest. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia WATERS OF STRIFEstrif. 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 5380. philoneikos -- fond of strife 5379. philoneikia -- love of strife 3055. logomachia -- a strife of words 4714b. stasis -- a standing, by impl. an insurrection, fig. strife 2052. eritheia -- rivalry, hence ambition 485. antilogia -- gainsaying, contradiction 4171. polemos -- war 3163. mache -- a fight 4442. pur -- fire Strong's Hebrew 4808. meribah -- strife, contention... 4807, 4808. meribah. 4809 . strife, contention. Transliteration: meribah Phonetic Spelling: (mer-ee-baw') Short Definition: strife. ... /hebrew/4808.htm - 6k 4066. madon -- strife, contention 7379. rib -- strife, dispute 4683. matstsah -- strife, contention 4090. medan -- discord, strife 1624. garah -- to stir up (strife), engage in strife 8409. tigrah -- contention, strife, hostility 4695. matstsuth -- strife, contention 4809. Meribah -- "place of strife," two places in the desert 1481b. gur -- to stir up strife, quarrel Library Whether Strife is a Daughter of Anger? Whether Strife is Always a Sin? Whether There Can be Strife or Discord among the Angels? Of a Loving Strife Between the Spirit of God and Our Spirit The Strife for Precedence at Feasts. --The Poor, not the Rich, to ... Peace and Strife. Of Strife (Two Articles) [*Strife Here Denotes Fighting Between ... Let the Partakers in Strife Acknowledge their Sins. Let the Partakers in Strife Acknowledge their Sins. Constantine, Having Heard of the Strife of the Bishops, and the ... Thesaurus Strife (71 Occurrences)... contest. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WATERS OF STRIFE. strif. See MERIBAH. Multi-Version Concordance Strife (71 Occurrences). Matthew ... /s/strife.htm - 27k Contention (24 Occurrences) Quarreling (17 Occurrences) Stirs (23 Occurrences) Envy (56 Occurrences) Envying (8 Occurrences) Emulation (5 Occurrences) Dissension (18 Occurrences) Debate (13 Occurrences) Stirreth (16 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Strife (71 Occurrences)Matthew 12:25 Luke 22:24 Acts 7:51 Romans 1:29 Romans 13:13 1 Corinthians 3:3 2 Corinthians 12:20 Galatians 5:20 Philippians 1:15 Philippians 2:3 1 Timothy 2:8 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Timothy 2:23 2 Timothy 4:7 Titus 3:9 Hebrews 6:16 James 3:14 James 3:16 Genesis 13:7 Genesis 13:8 Genesis 26:20 Exodus 17:7 Exodus 23:2 Exodus 23:3 Exodus 23:6 Numbers 27:14 Deuteronomy 1:12 Deuteronomy 17:8 Deuteronomy 19:17 Deuteronomy 21:5 Deuteronomy 25:1 Judges 12:2 2 Samuel 19:9 2 Samuel 22:44 2 Chronicles 19:8 2 Chronicles 19:10 Job 33:19 Psalms 18:43 Psalms 31:20 Psalms 55:9 Psalms 80:6 Psalms 106:32 Proverbs 6:14 Proverbs 6:19 Proverbs 10:12 Proverbs 13:10 Proverbs 15:18 Proverbs 16:28 Proverbs 17:1 Proverbs 17:14 Proverbs 17:19 Proverbs 18:6 Proverbs 18:18 Proverbs 20:3 Proverbs 22:10 Proverbs 23:29 Proverbs 26:17 Proverbs 26:20 Proverbs 26:21 Proverbs 28:25 Proverbs 29:22 Proverbs 30:33 Isaiah 34:8 Isaiah 54:15 Isaiah 58:4 Jeremiah 15:10 Ezekiel 47:19 Ezekiel 48:28 Hosea 4:1 Micah 6:2 Habakkuk 1:3 Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |