Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of arguing can be understood through various passages that address disputes, debates, and the manner in which individuals should communicate with one another. The Bible provides guidance on how to handle disagreements and the spirit in which discussions should be conducted.
Old Testament ContextThe Old Testament contains several instances where arguing or disputes are mentioned. In
Exodus 17:2 , the Israelites argue with Moses due to a lack of water: "So the people contended with Moses, 'Give us water to drink.' 'Why do you contend with me?' Moses replied. 'Why do you test the LORD?'" This passage highlights the human tendency to argue out of need or desperation, and it also underscores the importance of trusting in God's provision.
Proverbs, a book known for its wisdom literature, offers insights into the nature of arguments.
Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse emphasizes the power of words and the importance of responding with gentleness to avoid escalating conflicts.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles provide further guidance on how to approach arguments. In
Matthew 5:22 , Jesus warns against anger and insults: "But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell." This teaching highlights the seriousness of harboring anger and the need for reconciliation.
The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often addresses the issue of disputes within the early Christian communities. In
Philippians 2:14 , Paul advises, "Do everything without complaining or arguing," encouraging believers to maintain unity and harmony. Similarly, in
2 Timothy 2:23-24 , Paul instructs Timothy, "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 ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, arguing is often seen as a reflection of human pride and a lack of humility.
James 4:1-2 addresses the root cause of conflicts: "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." This passage suggests that arguments often stem from selfish desires and a failure to submit to God's will.
The Bible encourages believers to pursue peace and reconciliation. In
Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus provides a model for resolving disputes within the church, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues directly and seeking resolution. Additionally,
Romans 12:18 advises, "If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone," underscoring the call to be peacemakers.
Practical ApplicationIn practical terms, Christians are called to engage in discussions with love, patience, and a spirit of understanding.
Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This verse serves as a reminder to use words constructively and to avoid arguments that lead to division.
Overall, the biblical perspective on arguing encourages believers to seek wisdom, practice humility, and prioritize unity within the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. i.) To invent and offer reasons to support or overthrow a proposition, opinion, or measure; to use arguments; to reason.
2. (v. i.) To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason; -- followed by with; as, you may argue with your friend without convincing him.
3. (v. t.) To debate or discuss; to treat by reasoning; as, the counsel argued the cause before a full court; the cause was well argued.
4. (v. t.) To prove or evince; too manifest or exhibit by inference, deduction, or reasoning.
5. (v. t.) To persuade by reasons; as, to argue a man into a different opinion.
6. (v. t.) To blame; to accuse; to charge with.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ARGUEar'-gu: Only in the Revised Version (British and American) inJob 40:2. yakhach, which it translates, literally means "to be right," and in the causative form "reason with," "answer back," and is found in the King James Version rendered "reproach."
Greek
3164. machomai -- to fight... Word Origin a prim. verb Definition to fight NASB Word Usage
argue (1), fight
(1), fighting together (1), quarrelsome (1). fight, strive.
...4802. suzeteo -- to examine together, hence to dispute
... Word Origin from sun and zeteo Definition to examine together, hence to dispute
NASB Word Usageargue (1), argued (1), arguing (3), debated (1), discuss (1...
1256. dialegomai -- to discuss, to address, to preach
... Phonetic Spelling: (dee-al-eg'-om-ahee) Short Definition: I converse, address, preach,
lecture Definition: I converse, address, preach, lecture; Iargue, reason...
379. anapologetos -- without excuse
... 379 (an adjective, derived from 1 "not" and 626 , "toargue a case") -- properly,
without rationale, lacking any justified defense (argument) -- hence because...
1264. diamachomai -- to struggle against
... contend fiercely. Word Origin from dia and machomai Definition to struggle
against NASB Word Usageargue heatedly (1). strive. From...
Strong's Hebrew
3198. yakach -- to decide, adjudge, prove... root Definition to decide, adjudge, prove NASB Word Usage adjudicates (1), appointed
(2),
argue (3), argument prove (1), chastened (1), cleared (1), complained
...7378. rib -- to strive, contend
... root Definition to strive, contend NASB Word Usageargue (2), complain (2), contend
(22), contended (9), contends (1), dispute (1), ever strive (1), filed (1...
8199. shaphat -- to judge, govern
... root Definition to judge, govern NASB Word Usage acting like a judge (1), already
he is acting (1),argue our case (1), decide (1), defend (3), deliver (1...
Library
But if YouArgue that the Racecourse is Mentioned in Scripture...
... But if youargue that the racecourse is mentioned in Scripture? But if youargue
that the racecourse is mentioned in Scripture, I grant it at once....
Against the Platonists, whoArgue from the Physical Weight of the...
... Book XXII. Chapter 11."Against the Platonists, WhoArgue from the Physical Weight
of the Elements that an Earthly Body Cannot Inhabit Heaven....
But they with whom weArgue have Undoubtedly a Right to Select...
... PROPOSITION II. CHAPTER II. But they with whom weargue have undoubtedly
a right to select their own examples.? But they with...
The PelagiansArgue that Original Sin Cannot Come through Marriage...
... Book II. Chapter 41 [XXVI.]"The PelagiansArgue that Original Sin Cannot
Come Through Marriage If Marriage is Good. After this...
The PelagiansArgue that God Sometimes Closes the Womb in Anger...
... Book II. Chapter 27."The PelagiansArgue that God Sometimes Closes the Womb
in Anger, and Opens It When Appeased. Carefully consider...
The PelagiansArgue that Cohabitation Rightly Used is a Good, and...
... Book II. Chapter 34 [XIX.]"The PelagiansArgue that Cohabitation Rightly
Used is a Good, and What is Born from It is Good. I request...
The PelagiansArgue that if Sin Comes by Birth, all Married People...
... Book II. Chapter 44 [XXVII.]"The PelagiansArgue that If Sin Comes by Birth,
All Married People Deserve Condemnation. What, then...
Argument: C??cilius, Somewhat Grieved at this Kind of Rebuke which...
... IV."Argument: C??cilius, Somewhat Grieved at This Kind of Rebuke Which for His Sake
Minucius Had Had to Bear from Octavius, Begs toArgue with Octavius on...
Heretics not to be Allowed toArgue Out of the Scriptures the...
... The Prescription Against Heretics. Chapter XV."Heretics Not to Be Allowed toArgue
Out of the Scriptures The Scriptures, in Fact, Do Not Belong to Them....
How Aristobulus and Hyrcanus came to Pompey in Order toArgue who...
... CHAPTER 3. How Aristobulus And Hyrcanus Came To Pompey In Order ToArgue Who Ought
To Have The Kingdom; And How Upon The Plight Of Aristobulus To The Fortress...
Thesaurus
Argue (21 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) To contend in argument; to dispute; to reason; -- followed by with; as,
you may
argue with your friend without convincing him.
...ARGUE.
...Dispute (37 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To contend in argument; toargue against something maintained, upheld, or
claimed, by another; to discuss; to reason; to debate; to altercate; to...
Plead (64 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) Toargue in support of a claim, or in defense against the claim of another;
to urge reasons for or against a thing; to attempt to persuade one by...
Argued (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofArgue. Multi-Version Concordance Argued
(20 Occurrences). Matthew 21:25 John's Baptism, whence was it?...
Arguing (12 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) ofArgue. Multi-Version Concordance Arguing (12 Occurrences)....
The condemnation of those who would soargue is just. (WEY)....
Argob (6 Occurrences)
Question (153 Occurrences)
... question. 6. (n.) Talk; conversation; speech; speech. 7. (n.) To ask questions;
to inquire. 8. (n.) Toargue; to converse; to dispute. 9...
Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord,
that they don'targue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those...
Quarrel (22 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Genesis 26:22 He left that place, and dug another well.
They didn'targue over that one. He called it Rehoboth. He...
Quarreled (8 Occurrences)
... He called its name Sitnah. (See NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 26:22 He left that place,
and dug another well. They didn'targue over that one. He called it Rehoboth....
Resources
Does the fact that dispensational theology is a recent development argue against its legitimacy? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible call Christians to defend the faith / argue for the faith? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian be a Republican or a Democrat? Should a Christian be a conservative or a liberal/progressive? | GotQuestions.orgArgue: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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