Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:In the biblical context, arguments refer to disputes, contentions, or debates that arise between individuals or groups. These can be verbal confrontations or intellectual disagreements. The Bible addresses arguments in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of resolving disputes in a manner that aligns with Christian principles of love, humility, and truth.
Old Testament References:The Old Testament provides numerous examples of arguments and disputes among individuals and nations. Proverbs offers wisdom on handling arguments, often highlighting the value of peace and understanding over strife.
Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse underscores the power of words in either escalating or de-escalating conflicts.
In Genesis, we see the first recorded argument between Cain and Abel, which tragically ends in violence (
Genesis 4:8). This narrative illustrates the destructive potential of unresolved anger and jealousy. The account of Job also includes arguments between Job and his friends, who debate the reasons for his suffering (Job 4-31). These dialogues explore themes of justice, righteousness, and divine sovereignty.
New Testament Teachings:The New Testament continues to address the issue of arguments, particularly within the early Christian communities. Jesus Himself taught about reconciliation and the importance of resolving disputes. In
Matthew 5:23-24 , He 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."
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses arguments in his epistles, urging believers to maintain unity and avoid divisive disputes. In
Philippians 2:14 , Paul writes, "Do everything without complaining or arguing," encouraging a spirit of cooperation and harmony. Similarly, in
2 Timothy 2:23-24 , he advises, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing."
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, arguments are seen as a manifestation of human sinfulness and pride. The Bible calls believers to rise above petty disputes and to seek peace and reconciliation.
James 4:1-2 provides insight into the root causes of arguments: "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."
Practical Application:Christians are encouraged to approach arguments with a spirit of humility and a desire for truth.
Ephesians 4:15 advises believers to speak "the truth in love," balancing honesty with compassion. The goal is not to win an argument but to foster understanding and unity. The biblical model for resolving disputes involves listening, patience, and a willingness to forgive, reflecting the character of Christ in all interactions.
Greek
3053. logismos -- a reasoning, a thought... assign in determining what . 3053 ("calculated
arguments, thoughts") emphasizes ,
ie what comes out of a . Word Origin from logizomai
...477. antithesis -- opposition
... another; opposition. Word Origin from anti and tithemi Definition opposition
NASB Word Usage opposingarguments (1). opposition. From...
1246. diakatelegchomai -- to confute completely
... Ac 18:28, implies that 'he met the opposingarguments in turn (), and brought them
down to the ground ().' It carries also the thought that he brought home...
Strong's Hebrew
561. emer -- speech, word... Word Origin from amar Definition speech, word NASB Word Usage
arguments (1),
chastisement (1), command (1), decreed (1), promise (1), sayings (4), slander* (
...8414. tohu -- formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness
... confusion (1), desolation (1), emptiness (1), empty space (1), formless (2), futile
(2), futile things (1), meaningless (2), meaninglessarguments (1), nothing...
8433b. tokachath -- argument, reproof
... Word Origin from yakach Definition argument, reproof NASB Word Usage argument (1),
arguments (2), chastened (1), rebuke (1), rebukes (2), reproof (14...
Library
Reply to theArguments of the Adversaries.
... Part 7 Reply to theArguments of the Adversaries. Now, when the grounds
of this case have been understood, namely, the distinction...
TheArguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... CHAPTER 5. THEARGUMENTS USUALLY ALLEGED IN SUPPORT OF FREE WILL REFUTED. THE
ARGUMENTS USUALLY ALLEGED IN SUPPORT OF FREE WILL REFUTED....
TheArguments of the Platonists for the Soul's Incorporeality...
... Chapter VI."TheArguments of the Platonists for the Soul's Incorporeality,
Opposed, Perhaps Frivolously. These conclusions the...
You Bring ForwardArguments against Us, and Speculative Quibblings...
... Book II. 12 You bring forwardarguments against us, and speculative quibblings?
You bring forwardarguments against us, and speculative...
Wesley's LivingArguments
... Chapter 3. Field-Preaching; "All the World my Parish"; Whitefield; Wales;
Experience with Demons Wesley's LivingArguments. Sunday...
Arguments from the Novelty of Fate and Generation; that Golden Age...
... Chapter XV."Arguments from the Novelty of Fate and Generation; That Golden
Age, Early Men; SolidArguments Against the Mathematicians....
How Much theArguments Make for Us...
... Book II. Chapter 1. " 1. How much thearguments make for us? "1. How
much thearguments make for us, that is, for catholic...
Augustin Undertakes the Refutation of theArguments which Might be...
... Book III. Augustin undertakes the refutation of thearguments which might
be derived from the epistle of? Augustin undertakes...
Answer to the ForegoingArguments.
... Chapter XXII."Answer to the ForegoingArguments. They who make this concession
[8874] ought to reflect on the nature of the word...
St. Teresa'sArguments of the Chapters.
... St. Teresa'sArguments of the Chapters. JHS. JHS Chapter I. [1]"In which
she tells how God [2] began to dispose this soul from...
Thesaurus
Arguments (29 Occurrences)...Arguments (29 Occurrences).
... (BBE). Acts 27:11 But Julius let himself be persuaded
by the pilot and by the owner rather than by Paul's
arguments; (WEY).
...Debate (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To contend for in words orarguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning;
to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against....
Argue (21 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To invent and offer reasons to support or overthrow
a proposition, opinion, or measure; to usearguments; to reason....
Plead (64 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) To discuss, defend, and attempt to maintain byarguments or reasons presented
to a tribunal or person having authority to determine; to argue at the bar...
Immortal (3 Occurrences)
... Timothy 1:17): 1. Preliminary-Need of Definition and Distinction 2. Biblical Conception
I. THE NATURAL BELIEF 1. Its Origin 2. PhilosophicalArguments (1) The...
Immortality (6 Occurrences)
... Timothy 1:17): 1. Preliminary-Need of Definition and Distinction 2. Biblical Conception
I. THE NATURAL BELIEF 1. Its Origin 2. PhilosophicalArguments (1) The...
Nathanael (6 Occurrences)
... The principalarguments in support of this identification are: (1) Nathanael is
never mentioned by the synoptists, and Bartholomew is never mentioned by John...
Levitical (19 Occurrences)
... ALTERNATIVE VIEW AND EVIDENCE 1. Traces of the Cities 2. Wellhausen'sArguments
Answered 3. Van Hoonacker's Reply 4. Ezekiel's Vision 5. Priestly Cities and...
God (45911 Occurrences)
... 14:1). Thearguments generally adduced by theologians in proof of the being
of God are: (1.) The... to causes. Thesearguments are,. (a) The...
Exhort (37 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To incite by words or advice; to animate or urge byarguments, as to a good
deed or laudable conduct; to address exhortation to; to urge strongly; hence...
Resources
What are a priori, a posteriori, and a fortiori arguments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the cosmological arguments for the existence of God? | GotQuestions.orgArguments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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