Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the term "quarrelled" refers to disputes, arguments, or conflicts that arise between individuals or groups. The Bible provides numerous accounts of quarrels, often highlighting the human propensity for discord and the need for reconciliation and peace.
Old Testament InstancesOne of the earliest instances of quarreling is found in the account of Cain and Abel. In
Genesis 4:8, Cain's jealousy leads to a fatal quarrel with his brother Abel, resulting in the first murder. This narrative underscores the destructive potential of unresolved conflict and jealousy.
In
Genesis 13:7, a quarrel arises between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot: "And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land." Abram, seeking peace, proposes a separation to avoid further conflict, demonstrating a proactive approach to resolving disputes.
The Israelites frequently quarreled during their wilderness journey. In
Exodus 17:2, the people quarrel with Moses over the 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 incident at Massah and Meribah highlights the Israelites' lack of faith and trust in God's provision.
New Testament TeachingsThe New Testament continues to address the issue of quarreling, emphasizing the importance of unity and love among believers. In
1 Corinthians 1:11, Paul addresses the Corinthian church: "My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you." Paul urges the church to be united in mind and judgment, warning against divisions that can weaken the body of Christ.
James 4:1-2 provides insight into the root causes of quarrels: "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." James points to selfish desires as the source of conflict, calling believers to submit to God and resist the devil.
Biblical Wisdom on QuarrelingThe Bible offers wisdom on how to handle quarrels.
Proverbs 17:14 advises, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This proverb encourages individuals to avoid unnecessary conflicts and seek peace.
In
Matthew 5:9, Jesus blesses the peacemakers: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." This beatitude underscores the value of reconciliation and the call for believers to actively pursue peace.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, quarrels are depicted as a natural part of human relationships, yet they are also opportunities for growth, forgiveness, and the demonstration of Christ-like love. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek peace, resolve conflicts, and live in harmony with one another, reflecting the unity and love of the body of Christ.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. p.) of Quarrel.
Library
Whether Strife is Always a Sin?
... Objection 2: Further, it is related (Gn.26:21) that the servants of Isaac "digged"
another well, "and for that theyquarrelled likewise." Now it is not...
God Spelling Himself Out in Jesus.
... And so they disliked Him from the beginning, andquarrelled with Him.... So
havingquarrelled, they did worse, and then"softly"worst....
Adrian iv; Alexander iii; Becket; the Third Crusade; (Ad 1153-1192...
... The king said that in such matters clergy and laity ought to be alike; and about
this chiefly the twoquarrelled, although there were also other matters which...
The Days of the Week
... Then they learnt to throw away those false gods whoquarrelled among themselves,
andquarrelled with mankind; gods who were proud, revengeful, changeable...
The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... He hadquarrelled with a Lutheran minister at Ebersdorf, had been promptly excluded
from the Holy Communion, and now came whimpering to Herrnhut, and lifted up...
Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... Lot's herdsmenquarrelled with the servants of Abram, and Abram with great
disinterestedness gave his younger and far inferior relative the choice of pasturage...
Perfection to be Sought.
... You havequarrelled with a neighbour, you have made it up, heartily and bear no
more malice, that is a good stone;"forgiveness of injuries"a capital stone...
The Teuton Nations.
... Theyquarrelled with the great Gothic chief, Alaric, who began to overrun their
dominions, and at last threatened Rome so much, that Honorius was forced to...
A Soldier's Training
... to this day"I suppose, I say, that this pleased him better than the Roman stories
of many gods, who were capricious, and fretful, andquarrelled with each...
The Last Days of Augusta, 1560-1572.
... At first he was offended,quarrelled with the Brethren, and declared the new Bishops
invalid. But at last his better feelings gained the mastery....
Thesaurus
Quarrelled (2 Occurrences)... (pp) of Quarrel. Multi-Version Concordance
Quarrelled (2 Occurrences).
... And he called
the name of the well Esek, because they had
quarrelled with him. (DBY).
...Quarreling (17 Occurrences)
Quarrelling (5 Occurrences)
Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... So it was, for theyquarrelled among themselves, and slew one another, leaving to
the people of Judah only to gather the rich spoils of the slain....
Esek (1 Occurrence)
... Quarrel, a well which Isaac's herdsmen dug in the valley of Gerar, and so called
because the herdsmen of Gerarquarrelled with them for its possession (Genesis...
Maintained (19 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:19 But theyquarrelled with him about certain matters connected with their
own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but--so Paul persistently...
Matters (131 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:19 But theyquarrelled with him about certain matters connected with their
own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but--so Paul persistently...
Persistently (16 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:19 But theyquarrelled with him about certain matters connected with their
own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but--so Paul persistently...
Connected (11 Occurrences)
... Acts 25:19 But theyquarrelled with him about certain matters connected with their
own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but--so Paul persistently...
Resources
Quarrelled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
