The Greek word máchomai, represented by G3164, is a verb meaning to fight or strive. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The term is defined as to war, or figuratively, to quarrel and dispute.
In the biblical narrative, G3164 is used to describe conflict and contention. It is presented as an action to be avoided by a "servant of the Lord," who must instead be gentle 2 Timothy 2:24. It characterizes the disputes among brethren, prompting the question, "why do ye wrong one to another?" Acts 7:26. The word also depicts the result of unfulfilled lusts, where people "fight and war" because they do not receive what they desire James 4:2. It can also refer to a sharp, contentious disagreement over doctrine, as when the Jews "strove among themselves" concerning Jesus's teachings John 6:52.
Several related words clarify the context and consequence of striving:
- G1937 epithyméō (to set the heart upon, i.e. long for (rightfully or otherwise)): This word for lusting or desiring is presented as a root cause of conflict. In James 4:2, unfulfilled lust leads directly to fighting and warring.
- G4170 poleméō (to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e. to battle): This term for making war is used alongside G3164 in James 4:2, indicating an escalation from quarreling to outright warfare.
- G2261 ḗpios (mild or kind): This term for being gentle is presented as the proper conduct for a servant of the Lord, in direct contrast to striving 2 Timothy 2:24.
- G5407 phoneúō (to be a murderer (of)): This verb for killing is listed in the same context as fighting in James 4:2, showing the destructive progression that begins with internal desire and leads to external conflict.
The theological weight of G3164 is significant, highlighting the nature and consequences of strife.
- Internal Sin Manifested: The act of fighting is not presented in a vacuum. It is the external manifestation of internal, sinful desires, such as when unfulfilled lust leads to fighting and warring James 4:2.
- Prohibited for Believers: Striving is explicitly forbidden for a "servant of the Lord." The call is to be gentle and patient, not contentious, which establishes a clear standard for Christian conduct 2 Timothy 2:24.
- A Cause of Disunity: The term is used to describe conflicts that break the bonds of fellowship, as when brethren "strove" and did wrong to one another Acts 7:26. It also characterizes contentious disputes that prevent the reception of truth John 6:52.
In summary, G3164 is more than a simple word for a physical fight. It is a key concept for understanding the destructive nature of quarreling and contention, whether between brethren Acts 7:26 or in response to doctrine John 6:52. Scripture presents this strife not as a random event, but as the outgrowth of sinful desires James 4:2, and explicitly marks it as behavior to be avoided by the faithful in favor of gentleness 2 Timothy 2:24.
TRV