### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb πολεμέω (poleméō, `{{G4170}}`) is derived directly from the noun πόλεμος (polemos, `{{G4171}}`), meaning "war" or "battle." As a verb, πολεμέω signifies the act of engaging in warfare, to battle, or to fight. Its semantic range encompasses both literal, physical combat and figurative, metaphorical conflict. This can include internal struggles, interpersonal disputes, or cosmic spiritual warfare. The core idea is active opposition or contention, whether military in nature or a broader sense of strife.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb πολεμέω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are highly significant, illustrating both literal and figurative dimensions of conflict:
* **James 4:2:** "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight (πολεμέω) and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask." Here, πολεμέω is used figuratively to describe the internal and interpersonal strife that arises within the community of believers due to unfulfilled desires and covetousness. It points to the destructive nature of worldly passions that lead to conflict and disunity among those who should be at peace. The "fighting" is not physical combat but intense quarreling and contention.
* **Revelation 12:7:** "Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting (πολεμέω) against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought (πολεμέω) back." This passage depicts a dramatic, literal (though spiritual) cosmic battle. The verb emphasizes the active engagement in warfare between divine forces (Michael and his angels) and demonic forces (the dragon, identified as Satan, and his angels). It underscores the reality of a spiritual conflict that transcends the human realm.
* **Revelation 13:4:** "And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, 'Who is like the beast, and who can fight (πολεμέω) against it?'" In this context, πολεμέω refers to the perceived invincibility of the beast. The question implies that no earthly power or individual would be able to successfully engage in combat or opposition against the beast, highlighting its overwhelming power and authority, which it receives from the dragon.
* **Revelation 17:14:** "They will make war (πολεμέω) on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful." This verse describes the ultimate eschatological conflict. The forces of evil, represented by the beast and its allies, actively engage in war against Christ, the Lamb. This is a direct, albeit divinely orchestrated, confrontation between the powers of darkness and the sovereign Lord. The context, however, immediately declares the Lamb's ultimate and decisive victory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct cognate is the noun πόλεμος (polemos, `{{G4171}}`), meaning "war" or "battle," from which πολεμέω is derived. Other related terms expressing conflict or struggle include:
* μάχομαι (machomai, `{{G3164}}`): "to fight," often implying a more general contention or dispute, as seen alongside πολεμέω in [[James 4:2]].
* μάχη (machē, `{{G3163}}`): "a fight, quarrel, contention," the noun form of μάχομαι.
* ἀγών (agōn, `{{G73}}`): "a contest, struggle," often used in the context of a spiritual or moral struggle, as in "the good fight" (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:12]]).
* στρατεύω (strateuō, `{{G4754}}`): "to make war," "to serve as a soldier," often used in the context of spiritual warfare (e.g., [[2 Corinthians 10:3]]).
Concepts contrasting with πολεμέω include peace (εἰρήνη, eirēnē, `{{G1515}}`), reconciliation (καταλλαγή, katallagē, `{{G2643}}`), and unity (ἑνότης, henotēs, `{{G1773}}`). The biblical narrative frequently juxtaposes these opposing states.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of πολεμέω illuminate several profound theological truths:
1. **The Reality of Conflict:** The word affirms that conflict is an inherent, albeit fallen, aspect of existence, manifesting on various levels:
* **Intrapersonal/Interpersonal:** [[James 4:2]] reveals how unbridled desires and covetousness lead to internal turmoil and external strife within the human heart and among believers. This highlights the destructive power of sin.
* **Cosmic/Spiritual:** [[Revelation 12:7]], [[Revelation 13:4]], and [[Revelation 17:14]] vividly portray a cosmic spiritual warfare between God's forces and the forces of evil. This underscores the reality of demonic opposition to God's rule and His people.
2. **The Sovereignty of God in Conflict:** Despite the intensity of the "war" depicted in Revelation, the divine narrative consistently asserts God's ultimate control and the assured victory of the Lamb. The conflict is not a sign of God's weakness but a stage upon which His power, justice, and ultimate triumph are dramatically displayed. The declaration in [[Revelation 17:14]] that "the Lamb will conquer them" is a definitive theological statement of Christ's unassailable sovereignty.
3. **The Nature of Evil's Opposition:** The use of πολεμέω in Revelation demonstrates the active, aggressive nature of evil's rebellion against God and His Christ. The dragon and the beast are not passive entities but engage in direct warfare, seeking to usurp divine authority and persecute God's people.
### Summary
The Greek verb πολεμέω (poleméō, `{{G4170}}`) signifies the act of engaging in war or conflict, whether literal or figurative. Its usage in the New Testament, though limited, is highly impactful. In [[James 4:2]], it describes the internal and interpersonal strife caused by worldly desires within the Christian community. In the book of Revelation ([[Revelation 12:7]], [[Revelation 13:4]], [[Revelation 17:14]]), it powerfully depicts the cosmic, spiritual warfare between divine and demonic forces, culminating in the decisive victory of the Lamb. Theologically, πολεμέω highlights the pervasive reality of conflict stemming from human sinfulness and cosmic evil, yet ultimately serves to underscore the unshakeable sovereignty of God and the assured triumph of Christ over all opposing powers.
TRV