### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **logomachía**, represented by `{{G3055}}`, means **strife of words**. Its base definition describes a "disputation about trifles." This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting a very specific type of destructive conflict. It points to arguments that are focused on semantics and trivial matters rather than substantive truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G3055}}` is found in [[1 Timothy 6:4]], where it is presented as a symptom of spiritual arrogance. The text describes a person who is **proud** `{{G5187}}` and **knowing nothing** `{{G3367}}` but has a diseased craving, or is **doting** `{{G3552}}`, for **questions** `{{G2214}}` and **strifes of words** `{{G3055}}`. The verse explicitly states that from these disputes come envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings. This context frames **strife of words** not as intellectual debate but as a corrupting influence that leads to division.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the nature and consequences of `{{G3055}}`:
* `{{G2214}}` **zḗtēsis** (question): This word, defined as "a dispute or its theme," is paired directly with `{{G3055}}` in [[1 Timothy 6:4]]. It is also seen as unprofitable in other contexts, such as the "foolish **questions**" to be avoided in [[Titus 3:9]].
* `{{G2054}}` **éris** (strife): This term, meaning "a quarrel" or "wrangling," is listed as a direct result of `{{G3055}}`. It shows that disputes over words escalate into more generalized conflict and contention [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G3552}}` **noséō** (dote): Defined as being sick or hankering after something, this word describes the unhealthy obsession that fuels such disputes. It implies a diseased appetite for argument [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* `{{G5187}}` **typhóō** (proud): Meaning "to inflate with self-conceit," this word identifies the root cause of engaging in `{{G3055}}`. It is pride that leads a person to engage in such behavior [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3055}}` is centered on the danger of prideful and empty religious debate.
* **Source of Division:** The primary function of **strife of words** is to generate negative outcomes. It is the source from which **envy** `{{G5355}}`, **strife** `{{G2054}}`, **railings** `{{G988}}`, and **evil surmisings** `{{G5283}}` **cometh** `{{G1096}}`, all of which are destructive to Christian fellowship [[1 Timothy 6:4]].
* **Symptom of Ignorance:** The one who engages in `{{G3055}}` is described as **proud** `{{G5187}}` and, critically, **knowing** `{{G1987}}` **nothing** `{{G3367}}`. This links fruitless debate directly to a lack of true spiritual understanding.
* **Unprofitable Activity:** Engaging in **strife of words** is characterized as an empty pursuit. This is consistent with warnings to avoid "foolish and unlearned **questions** `{{G2214}}`" that only lead to more conflict [[2 Timothy 2:23]] and are "unprofitable and vain" [[Titus 3:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **logomachía** `{{G3055}}` serves as a potent, albeit rare, biblical term warning against pointless arguments. While it appears only once, its context in [[1 Timothy 6:4]] clearly defines it as a "disputation about trifles" that stems from pride, results in division and envy, and is ultimately a spiritually bankrupt endeavor. It is a caution against the kind of conflict that fractures unity without building up faith.
TRV