### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâdôwn**, represented by `{{H4066}}`, refers to a contest or quarrel. Its meaning encompasses brawling, contention, discord, and strife. It appears 18 times in 18 unique verses and is derived from a root word signifying judgment or strife. This term is used almost exclusively in the wisdom literature to describe the nature and source of conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4066}}` is frequently identified as the result of negative character traits. It is something stirred up by a wrathful man [[Proverbs 15:18]], an angry man [[Proverbs 29:22]], or a person with a proud heart [[Proverbs 28:25]]. The concept is also strongly associated with a "brawling" or "contentious" woman, whose presence in a house is described as being worse than dwelling on a housetop corner ([[Proverbs 21:9]], [[Proverbs 25:24]]) or in the wilderness [[Proverbs 21:19]]. Beyond personal disputes, the prophet Jeremiah describes himself as "a man of contention" to the entire earth [[Jeremiah 15:10]], and the psalmist laments that God has made the people a "strife" to their neighbors [[Psalms 80:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the dynamics of contention:
* `{{H1624}}` **gârâh** (contend, meddle, stir up, strive): This root verb describes the action that incites conflict. A proud heart does not just have strife, it actively "stirreth up" `{{H1624}}` strife [[Proverbs 28:25]].
* `{{H1644}}` **gârash** (to drive out from a possession): This word points to a direct remedy for contention. Scripture advises to "cast out" `{{H1644}}` the scorner, which will cause "contention" `{{H4066}}` to go out as well [[Proverbs 22:10]].
* `{{H5372}}` **nirgân** (a slanderer; talebearer, whisperer): This term identifies a specific agent of strife. Where there is no "talebearer" `{{H5372}}`, the "strife" `{{H4066}}` will cease, just as a fire goes out without wood [[Proverbs 26:20]].
* `{{H8419}}` **tahpukâh** (a perversity or fraud; frowardness): This describes a crooked or perverse nature that generates conflict. A "froward" `{{H8419}}` man is one who "soweth" `{{H7971}}` strife [[Proverbs 16:28]].
### Theological Significance
The thematic weight of `{{H4066}}` is significant, highlighting the origins and consequences of social and personal conflict.
* **A Fruit of Character:** Strife is not presented as an external force, but as the direct product of internal flaws. Anger [[Proverbs 29:22]], pride [[Proverbs 28:25]], and frowardness [[Proverbs 16:28]] are the seeds from which contention grows.
* **The Disruption of Relationships:** The presence of `{{H4066}}` is destructive to peace and unity. It is shown to be capable of separating "chief friends" [[Proverbs 16:28]]. The contentions of an offended brother are described as being as difficult to overcome as the "bars of a castle" [[Proverbs 18:19]].
* **The Path to Resolution:** Scripture provides clear solutions for ending strife. The primary method is to remove the source, such as the scorner [[Proverbs 22:10]] or the talebearer [[Proverbs 26:20]]. Cultivating the opposite spirit, such as being "slow to anger," is shown to appease strife [[Proverbs 15:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4066}}` is a term that defines the destructive nature of quarrels and discord. It is consistently portrayed not as a simple disagreement, but as a corrosive force rooted in moral and spiritual failings like pride, anger, and perversity. From disrupting a household to dividing close friends, **mâdôwn** serves as a potent illustration in scripture of the turmoil that arises from a heart not aligned with wisdom and peace.
TRV