### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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