### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **máchē**, represented by `{{G3163}}`, is defined as a battle or, figuratively, a controversy. It is a focused term that appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is derived from μάχομαι and is translated as "fighting," "strive," or "striving," pointing to active and often contentious conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3163}}` is used to describe both external pressures and internal, spiritual turmoil. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul describes the hardships faced in Macedonia, stating "without were **fightings**, within were fears" [[2 Corinthians 7:5]]. James uses the term to question the origin of conflict within the church, asking, "From whence come wars and **fightings** among you?" [[James 4:1]]. The word is also used to characterize pointless doctrinal disputes, with Paul instructing believers to avoid foolish questions and "**strivings about** the law" [[Titus 3:9]], noting that such arguments only "gender **strifes**" [[2 Timothy 2:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the nature of the conflicts described by `{{G3163}}`:
* `{{G4171}}` **pólemos** (warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series)): This word is used alongside `{{G3163}}` to describe the full spectrum of conflict, from large-scale "wars" to individual "**fightings**" [[James 4:1]].
* `{{G2214}}` **zḗtēsis** (a searching (properly, the act), i.e. a dispute or its theme): This term often identifies the source of `{{G3163}}`. Believers are warned that "foolish and unlearned **questions**" are what ultimately "gender **strifes**" [[2 Timothy 2:23]].
* `{{G1080}}` **gennáō** (to procreate... figuratively, to regenerate): This word explains the origin of strife, noting that divisive arguments actively **procreate** or "**gender**" strifes, bringing them into existence [[2 Timothy 2:23]].
* `{{G4754}}` **strateúomai** (to contend with carnal inclinations): This term describes the internal battle that gives rise to external conflict, as the "lusts that **war**" within a person's members are the source of **fightings** [[James 4:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3163}}` lies in its clear warnings about the origins and futility of certain conflicts.
* **The Carnal Source of Conflict:** James directly attributes "fightings" to an internal, sinful cause, explaining that they arise from "your lusts that war in your members" [[James 4:1]]. This places the responsibility for strife on unchecked fleshly desires.
* **The Danger of Vain Disputes:** Paul repeatedly frames "strifes" and "strivings" as the negative product of pointless arguments. He counsels Titus to avoid them because "they are unprofitable and vain" [[Titus 3:9]].
* **A Distraction from Godly Edifying:** The conflict generated by foolish questions stands in contrast to productive spiritual growth. Such debates are to be avoided because they do not lead to the "godly edifying which is in faith" [[1 Timothy 1:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3163}}` is a specific term for conflict that serves as a caution to believers. It highlights how both external "**fightings**" [[2 Corinthians 7:5]] and internal "**strifes**" [[2 Timothy 2:23]] often stem from a common source: either carnal lusts [[James 4:1]] or fruitless intellectual debates [[Titus 3:9]]. The word underscores the biblical mandate to pursue peace and avoid disputes that are spiritually "unprofitable and vain."
TRV