### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pólemos**, represented by `{{G4171}}`, denotes **warfare**, a **battle**, or a **fight**. It appears **18 times** in **16 unique verses**. The term is used to describe warfare in both a literal and figurative sense, encompassing everything from a single encounter to an entire series of conflicts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4171}}` is used in several key contexts. It is presented as a sign of the end times, with Jesus foretelling that believers will "hear of **wars** and rumours of **wars**" but should not be troubled, as these events must precede the end ([[Matthew 24:6]], [[Mark 13:7]]). The term is also used figuratively to describe internal, spiritual conflict, with James asking, "From whence come **wars** and fightings among you?" before tracing their origin to the lusts that war within a person's members [[James 4:1]]. In Revelation, the word takes on a cosmic scale, describing the "**war** in heaven" between Michael and the dragon [[Revelation 12:7]] and the final "**battle** of that great day of God Almighty" [[Revelation 16:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of conflict and warfare:
* `{{G4170}}` **poleméō** (to be (engaged) in warfare, i.e. to battle (literally or figuratively)): This is the verb form of `{{G4171}}`, describing the action of the conflict. It is used when the dragon and his angels "fought" in the heavenly war [[Revelation 12:7]].
* `{{G3163}}` **máchē** (a battle, i.e. (figuratively) controversy): Often appearing alongside `{{G4171}}`, this term points to strife and controversy. It is used in James to describe the "fightings" that arise from human lusts [[James 4:1]].
* `{{G181}}` **akatastasía** (instability, i.e. disorder): This word describes the chaos and social upheaval linked to conflict. Jesus warns that his followers will hear of "**wars** and commotions," but tells them not to be terrified [[Luke 21:9]].
* `{{G4753}}` **stráteuma** (an armament, i.e. (by implication) a body of troops): This term for an army is directly linked to `{{G4171}}`. John sees the beast and earthly kings gather their "**armies**" to make "**war**" against the one who sat on the horse [[Revelation 19:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4171}}` is significant, highlighting different dimensions of conflict.
* **Source of Conflict:** The word is used to identify the root cause of strife. Scripture makes it clear that **wars** and fightings originate not from external factors alone, but from the internal "lusts that war" within people [[James 4:1]].
* **Sign of the End Times:** Earthly **wars** are established as a key eschatological sign. The occurrence of "**wars** and rumours of **wars**" is a necessary precursor to the end, signaling a period of great turmoil [[Matthew 24:6]].
* **Cosmic Struggle:** The concept of **war** is elevated to a spiritual and cosmic level, particularly in Revelation. It describes the ultimate confrontation between good and evil, from the "**war** in heaven" [[Revelation 12:7]] to the beast making "**war** with the saints" [[Revelation 13:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4171}}` provides a comprehensive framework for understanding conflict in the Bible. It is far more than a simple term for military action, encompassing the internal struggles born from sin, the literal conflicts that mark human history, and the ultimate eschatological **battle** between the forces of God and evil. The word illustrates a biblical worldview where conflict exists on personal, earthly, and cosmic planes.
TRV