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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as it allows readers to delve deeper into the meanings and nuances present in the original texts. The Greek word ἐρίζω (erízō) holds particular significance for interpreting New Testament passages related to strife and contention. By examining this word, we gain insights into not only the socio-cultural dynamics of the early Christian communities but also the broader Greco-Roman context, where debates, rivalries, and struggles for power were common.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐρίζω (erízō) [eh-REE-zo]
- Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔρις (éris), meaning “strife” or “quarrel.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; primarily used in the present and aorist tenses.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To quarrel: To engage in a heated argument or dispute, often with hostility.
- To contend: To struggle or compete against another in a conflict or debate.
- To strive: To make a great effort towards a goal, particularly in the context of rivalry or competition.
Similar Words: ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai) [ah-go-NEE-zo-mai] means “to struggle” or “to fight,” particularly in the context of athletic contests or warfare. While ἀγωνίζομαι emphasizes the effort and struggle, ἐρίζω (erízō) focuses more on the contention and rivalry aspect.
Further Insights: The word ἐρίζω (erízō) is a verb that takes on different endings based on tense, voice, and mood. It is primarily found in the present and aorist forms, with each form carrying slightly different connotations of action—ongoing or completed. Below is a chart of the present tense conjugation of ἐρίζω:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ἐρίζω | ἐρίζομεν |
| 2nd | ἐρίζεις | ἐρίζετε |
| 3rd | ἐρίζει | ἐρίζουσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐρίζω is defined as “to engage in strife, quarrel, or dispute,” often with an emphasis on a rivalry that arises from jealousy or ambition. It is used in contexts where verbal disputes are prominent.
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Thayer’s: Describes ἐρίζω as “to quarrel or wrangle” and points out its usage in both secular Greek literature and the New Testament to depict contention between individuals or groups.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the word’s meaning as “to strive” or “to engage in rivalry,” especially when it involves words or debates rather than physical confrontation.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐρίζω with meanings like “to quarrel,” “to compete,” or “to strive for superiority.” It also highlights its usage in classical Greek works to depict political, social, or athletic competition.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the definition “to quarrel or dispute,” noting that its usage is often in the context of rivalry or envy, typically leading to conflict.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 1:11: “For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling [ἐρίζω] among you, my brothers.”
- James 3:14: “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition [ἐρίζω] in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “Men often quarrel (ἐρίζω) over the spoils of war, driven by pride and envy.” |
| Plato | Republic | “The philosophers do not engage in petty quarrels (ἐρίζω) like the ambitious men of Athens.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “In the pursuit of honor, men often strive (ἐρίζω) against one another in vain.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Proverbs | Book of Proverbs | “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions (ἐρίζω) are like bars of a castle.” |
| Job | Book of Job | “Why do you contend (ἐρίζω) with Him? For He does not give an account of any of His words.” |
| Sirach | Wisdom of Sirach | “Avoid strife (ἐρίζω) and you will be kept from sin.” |
Summary of ἐρίζω (G2051)
In summary, ἐρίζω (erízō) is a Greek verb that conveys the ideas of quarreling, contending, and striving, particularly in the context of rivalry or competition. It appears in the New Testament to describe conflicts within the early Christian communities, highlighting issues of pride, envy, and discord. Its use in classical Greek literature reflects broader cultural values around honor, competition, and social dynamics. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting certain passages in the New Testament and for gaining a deeper appreciation of the cultural and social conflicts present in both the biblical and classical worlds.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the verb ἐρίζω (erízō) is derived from the noun ἔρις (éris), which in Greek mythology represents the goddess of strife and discord? This connection gives the word a rich connotation, linking it to both divine and human conflict across various Greek texts.
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