Brief Overview of πόλεμος (Strong’s G4171: polemos)

Strong’s G4171: A noun meaning “war, battle, or fighting,” referring to both physical warfare and metaphorical conflicts. In the New Testament, it appears in eschatological contexts describing end-time warfare, as well as in discussions of spiritual conflict and human strife. The term emphasizes sustained conflict rather than isolated battles.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόλεμος describes warfare in its broadest sense, encompassing both literal military conflicts and spiritual warfare. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in Jesus’ eschatological discourse and Revelation’s apocalyptic visions. The early church understood this term as representing both physical persecution and spiritual conflict against evil forces. Today, it helps us understand the nature of spiritual warfare and the ultimate victory of Christ over all opposing forces.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πόλεμος, polemos, /pol’-em-os/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + em (syllable) + os (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πολ- (pol-) primitive root indicating conflict
• Suffix: -εμος (-emos) nominal suffix
• Function: Forms a noun describing sustained warfare or conflict

D – Defining Meanings

• War
• Battle
• Fighting
• Conflict
• Warfare

Translation Options:

• War – Best captures the comprehensive nature
• Battle – Emphasizes specific conflicts
• Warfare – Highlights the ongoing nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάχη (machē) /makh’-ay/ – refers to fighting/strife – See G3163
• ἀγών (agōn) /ag-one’/ – refers to struggle/contest – See G73
• στρατεία (strateia) /strat-i’-ah/ – refers to military service – See G4752

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 2nd declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: πόλεμος
• Genitive: πολέμου
• Dative: πολέμῳ
• Accusative: πόλεμον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and figurative warfare. Thayer’s notes its eschatological significance. LSJ traces its military usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to prolonged conflict. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its widespread use in military contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 24:6: “And you will hear of wars [πολέμους] and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.”

Additional References:
Mark 13:7, Luke 14:31, James 4:1, Revelation 12:7, Revelation 16:14

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόλεμος reminds us of the reality of conflict in this world while pointing to Christ’s ultimate victory. It proclaims the good news that though we face warfare on many fronts, Jesus has overcome the world and will establish eternal peace in His kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πόλεμος gives us the English word “polemic”
2. It appears 18 times in the New Testament, mostly in Revelation
3. The term influenced early Christian understanding of spiritual warfare

Strong’s G4171: A noun meaning “war, battle, or fighting,” referring to both physical warfare and metaphorical conflicts. In the New Testament, it appears in eschatological contexts describing end-time warfare, as well as in discussions of spiritual conflict and human strife. The term emphasizes sustained conflict rather than isolated battles.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: war, battle, conflict, warfare, spiritual warfare, eschatology, apocalyptic, military, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, Revelation, end times​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​