### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zḗtēsis**, represented by `{{G2214}}`, refers to a **searching**, a dispute, or the theme of a dispute. Its base definition is "a searching (properly, the act), i.e. a dispute or its theme:--question." It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, often cautioning against unprofitable arguments and debates.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2214}}` frequently carries a negative connotation, particularly in the pastoral epistles. It is often paired with descriptors like "foolish" ([[Titus 3:9]]; [[2 Timothy 2:23]]) and linked to subjects such as "fables and endless genealogies" that fail to promote "godly edifying" [[1 Timothy 1:4]]. These types of questions are shown to arise from pride and lead to conflict [[1 Timothy 6:4]]. However, the term is also used more neutrally to describe a specific religious dispute among John's disciples and the Jews concerning "purifying" [[John 3:25]], or to denote legal matters that an official "doubted" how to adjudicate [[Acts 25:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and consequences of the disputes described by `{{G2214}}`:
* `{{G3474}}` **mōrós** (foolish): This word, meaning "dull or stupid... heedless," is used to characterize the nature of the questions that should be avoided, highlighting their lack of spiritual substance ([[Titus 3:9]]; [[2 Timothy 2:23]]).
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (contention, strife): Defined as "a quarrel, i.e. (by implication) wrangling," this is a frequent outcome of engaging in the wrong kind of questions ([[1 Timothy 6:4]]; [[Titus 3:9]]).
* `{{G3163}}` **máchē** (fighting, strive, striving): This term, meaning "a battle, i.e. (figuratively) controversy," is what foolish and unlearned questions are said to "gender" or produce ([[2 Timothy 2:23]]; [[Titus 3:9]]).
* `{{G1076}}` **genealogía** (genealogy): This refers to "tracing by generations" and is cited as a specific example of the kind of unprofitable topic that can lead to questions and disputes ([[1 Timothy 1:4]]; [[Titus 3:9]]).
### Theological Significance
The scriptural warnings surrounding `{{G2214}}` carry significant weight for believers, emphasizing the need for discernment in discussion.
* **Source of Conflict:** Engaging in certain questions `{{G2214}}` is shown to be a direct cause of negative outcomes, including **envy** `{{G5355}}`, **strife** `{{G2054}}`, **railings** `{{G988}}`, and "evil **surmisings**" `{{G5283}}`, as detailed in [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* **Spiritually Unprofitable:** These disputes are explicitly labeled as "unprofitable and vain" [[Titus 3:9]]. They are contrasted with activities that lead to "godly edifying which is in faith," indicating they do not contribute to spiritual growth [[1 Timothy 1:4]].
* **Rooted in Pride:** The tendency to dote on such questions is linked to a state of being **proud** `{{G5187}}` and "knowing nothing," suggesting a motivation of self-conceit rather than a genuine search for truth [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G2214}}` can simply mean a question or the theme of a dispute, its primary use in scripture is cautionary. It serves as a strong admonition to avoid speculative, "foolish," and unlearned arguments that breed conflict. The epistles consistently frame these kinds of questions not as a path to wisdom, but as divisive distractions that are unprofitable for faith and often symptomatic of pride.
TRV