### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἔρις (éris), Strong's number `{{G2054}}`, denotes "strife," "contention," or "quarrel." Its etymological affinity is uncertain, suggesting it is a primary term in the Greek lexicon, capturing a fundamental aspect of human interaction. The semantic range of ἔρις extends beyond mere disagreement to encompass active discord, rivalry, and hostile dispute. It consistently carries a negative connotation, implying a breakdown of peace, unity, and harmonious relations. Unlike intellectual debate, which can be constructive, ἔρις always points to a destructive, divisive, and often emotionally charged form of conflict that undermines fellowship and order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔρις appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where it is consistently listed among vices that characterize the unredeemed life or indicate spiritual immaturity within the church.
In [[Romans 1:29]], ἔρις is included in a comprehensive list of sins that manifest a reprobate mind, demonstrating its corrupting nature alongside envy, murder, deceit, and malice. This placement highlights its severity as a moral failing. Similarly, [[Romans 13:13]] exhorts believers to walk honorably, "not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy," associating ἔρις with other behaviors that are contrary to Christian conduct and the pursuit of peace.
The Corinthian church provides a vivid illustration of the destructive power of ἔρις. Paul addresses the issue directly in [[1 Corinthians 1:11]], noting that "contentions" (ἔρις) were reported among them, leading to divisions. He further diagnoses their spiritual state in [[1 Corinthians 3:3]], stating, "For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?" Here, ἔρις is explicitly linked to carnality and a lack of spiritual maturity, revealing a fundamental failure to live by the Spirit. In [[2 Corinthians 12:20]], Paul expresses fear of finding various destructive behaviors, including "contentions" (ἔρις), upon his return to Corinth, indicating persistent issues of disunity.
Perhaps most significantly, ἔρις is listed as a "work of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:20]], standing in stark contrast to the "fruit of the Spirit." This categorization firmly places ἔρις as antithetical to the life empowered by the Holy Spirit, aligning it with idolatry, sorcery, hatred, jealousies, and other sinful manifestations.
Even seemingly positive actions can be tainted by ἔρις, as seen in [[Philippians 1:15]], where some preach Christ "even from envy and strife." This illustrates how impure motives, driven by rivalry, can corrupt even gospel proclamation.
In the Pastoral Epistles, ἔρις is associated with unproductive and harmful disputes. [[1 Timothy 6:4]] describes those who are "proud, knowing nothing, but obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions." This links ἔρις to empty intellectualism and theological wrangling that breed division rather than edification. Likewise, [[Titus 3:9]] admonishes against "foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions (ἔρις), and strivings about the law," declaring them "unprofitable and useless" and thus to be avoided by believers.
Across these contexts, ἔρις consistently denotes a hostile, divisive, and spiritually detrimental form of disagreement that undermines peace, unity, and godly conduct within the community of faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding ἔρις includes several terms that are either its causes, effects, or closely related manifestations of discord:
* **Causes/Precursors:**
* ζῆλος (zēlos, `{{G2205}}`): "jealousy" or "envy." Often paired with ἔρις (e.g., [[Romans 13:13]], [[1 Corinthians 3:3]], [[Galatians 5:20]], [[1 Timothy 6:4]]), indicating that envy or rivalry frequently fuels contention.
* θυμός (thymos, `{{G2372}}`): "wrath" or "passion." Intense anger can escalate into ἔρις.
* φιλονεικία (philoneikia, `{{G5380}}`): "love of contention," "quarrelsomeness." While not explicitly ἔρις, it describes the underlying disposition that leads to it.
* **Manifestations/Effects:**
* μάχη (machē, `{{G3163}}`): "fighting," "dispute," "quarrel." Often a more active or physical manifestation of conflict that can arise from ἔρις.
* διχοστασία (dichostasia, `{{G1370}}`): "dissension," "division." This term describes the schism or separation that ἔρις can bring about within a community.
* αἵρεσις (hairesis, `{{G139}}`): "heresies," "factions." Also listed as a work of the flesh in [[Galatians 5:20]], representing formal divisions often rooted in ἔρις over doctrine or practice.
* **Antonyms/Opposite Concepts:**
* εἰρήνη (eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`): "peace." The direct antithesis of ἔρις.
* ἀγάπη (agapē, `{{G26}}`): "love." The foundational virtue that ἔρις destroys.
* ἑνότης (henotēs, `{{G1773}}`): "unity." The state of being one, which ἔρις shatters.
* μακροθυμία (makrothymia, `{{G3115}}`): "patience," "forbearance." Qualities that prevent ἔρις.
The consistent pairing of ἔρις with terms like ζῆλος (jealousy) and its listing alongside διχοστασία (dissension) and αἵρεσις (factions) underscores its role as a key driver of disunity and a sign of a fleshly, rather than spiritual, orientation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἔρις is profound and multifaceted within the New Testament.
Firstly, ἔρις is consistently presented as a **manifestation of sin and the fallen human nature**. Its inclusion among the "works of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:20]] is perhaps the most definitive theological statement. This means that ἔρις does not originate from God's Spirit but from the corrupted human will and its sinful desires. It is a sign that individuals or communities are operating out of their unredeemed nature rather than being led by the Holy Spirit.
Secondly, ἔρις is a significant **hindrance to spiritual growth and maturity**. In the Corinthian church, the presence of "envy, strife, and divisions" directly indicates that they are "carnal and behaving like mere men" ([[1 Corinthians 3:3]]). This implies that a community plagued by ἔρις cannot fully experience or express the spiritual life and unity that Christ intends. It stunts the development of believers and prevents the church from fulfilling its divine purpose.
Thirdly, ἔρις is a direct **assault on Christian unity and fellowship**. The New Testament places a high premium on the peace and harmony of the Body of Christ. ἔρις directly undermines this unity, fracturing relationships and disrupting the testimony of the church to the world. God is described as a "God of peace and not of disorder" ([[1 Corinthians 14:33]]), making the presence of ἔρις antithetical to His character and His presence within the assembly.
Finally, the presence of ἔρις carries **serious eschatological implications**. Those who practice the works of the flesh, including ἔρις, "will not inherit the kingdom of God" ([[Galatians 5:21]]). This serves as a stark warning, emphasizing that persistent engagement in such divisive behaviors indicates a lack of true transformation and a perilous spiritual state. The call to avoid ἔρις is therefore not merely a call for good behavior, but for a fundamental alignment with God's Spirit and His Kingdom values.
### Summary
ἔρις (éris, `{{G2054}}`) signifies "strife," "contention," or "quarrel," consistently denoting a destructive and hostile form of disagreement. Throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, it is portrayed as a grave vice, frequently listed among other sins such as envy, jealousy, and wrath. Its presence is directly linked to the "works of the flesh," signifying a lack of spiritual maturity and an operation outside the influence of the Holy Spirit. Theologically, ἔρις is a profound manifestation of sin, a significant impediment to spiritual growth and unity within the Body of Christ, and a behavior that stands in direct opposition to the peaceful and unifying nature of God. Its pervasive condemnation underscores the biblical imperative for believers to pursue peace, love, and unity, actively shunning all forms of ἔρις as antithetical to the Kingdom of God.
TRV