G2054 - Paul's Handkerchief

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it provides deeper insights into the meanings and contexts of biblical texts. The Greek word ἔρις (eris) is particularly significant because it conveys the concepts of strife, contention, and discord. Its usage in the New Testament highlights the dangers of conflict within the early Christian communities, offering a window into the moral and ethical teachings of the apostles. Additionally, ἔρις holds importance in ancient Greek culture, where it was often personified as a goddess of strife and conflict.

Key Information

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The Greek Word: ἔρις (eris) [EH-ris]
Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root wers-, meaning “to confuse” or “to mix up,” which suggests a sense of disorder or strife.
Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); third declension.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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Strife: A state of bitter conflict, often involving rivalry or discord.
Contention: Disagreement or argument, particularly in a heated or prolonged manner.
Quarrel: A dispute or argument, especially one that disrupts peace and harmony.

Similar Words: μάχη (machē) [MAH-khay] means “battle” or “fight” and is closely related to ἔρις (eris). While μάχη focuses more on physical conflict or combat, ἔρις emphasizes verbal or ideological strife and discord.

Further Insights: The noun ἔρις (eris) follows the third declension pattern in Greek, which affects its endings based on case and number. Below is the full declension chart of ἔρις:

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	ἔρις	ἔρεις
Genitive	ἔριδος	ἔριδων
Dative	ἔριδι	ἔρισι(ν)
Accusative	ἔριν	ἔρεις
Vocative	ἔρις	ἔρεις

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἔρις is defined as “strife, discord, contention,” often in the context of disputes or conflicts within a group or community. The term is typically used to highlight disagreements that lead to division.

Thayer’s: Describes ἔρις as “contention, strife, wrangling.” It is noted for its use in passages where interpersonal conflict disrupts unity, particularly in the early church settings.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἔρις as denoting “a spirit of rivalry and contention.” It is contrasted with the biblical ideal of harmony and unity among believers.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἔρις as “strife” or “quarrel,” noting its extensive use in classical literature to depict both physical and ideological conflicts. It often appears in contexts involving political disputes or philosophical debates.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἔρις as “quarrel, contention, strife,” emphasizing its negative connotations in New Testament usage, particularly in describing behaviors that are contrary to Christian virtues of peace and love.

Related Scripture References

Romans 13:13: “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling [ἔρις] and jealousy.”
1 Corinthians 3:3: “For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife [ἔρις] among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?”
Galatians 5:20: “Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife [ἔρις], jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions.”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English text
Homer	Iliad	“The strife (ἔρις) between Achilles and Agamemnon led to the suffering of many.”
Hesiod	Works and Days	“There is not one kind of strife (ἔρις) but two; one fosters evil war and battle.”
Plato	Republic	“Strife (ἔρις) in the soul is like a city divided against itself.”

Septuagint Examples:

Author	Name of Work	English text
Proverbs	Book of Proverbs	“A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating. Strife (ἔρις).”
Sirach	Wisdom of Sirach	“Avoid strife (ἔρις), and you will not sin.”
Psalms	Book of Psalms	“Do not let those who are my enemies without cause rejoice over me; neither let them wink with the eye who hate me without cause, for they do not speak peace; but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land. They also opened their mouth wide against me, and said, ‘Aha, aha, our eyes have seen it!’ They devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. Let them not say in their hearts, ‘Aha! so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up.’ Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at my hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonor that magnify themselves against me. Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, ‘Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.’ And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” (34:13)

Summary of ἔρις (G2054)

In summary, ἔρις (eris) is a Greek noun that denotes strife, contention, and discord. It is used in the New Testament to caution against behaviors that lead to division and conflict within the Christian community. In classical Greek literature, ἔρις appears in various contexts to depict interpersonal and ideological conflicts, highlighting its significance in ancient thought and philosophy. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting biblical passages on unity and harmony and for appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greece, where the concept of strife played a prominent role in mythology, philosophy, and literature.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in Greek mythology, ἔρις (eris) is not just a concept but also personified as a goddess? The Goddess Eris, known for causing discord and rivalry, is famously associated with the mythological event that led to the Trojan War—the judgment of Paris.