from the same as מֶדֶו; extensiveness, i.e. height; stature.
Transliteration:mâdôwn
Pronunciation:maw-dohn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מָדוֹן (mâdôwn, `{{H4067}}`) is primarily understood in biblical scholarship and its usage throughout the Hebrew Bible as "contention," "strife," "dispute," or "quarrel." While the provided base definition references "extensiveness, i.e. height; stature" and a connection to מֶדֶו, this meaning is not supported by the overwhelming majority of biblical occurrences or standard lexicographical analyses for H4067. Instead, מָדוֹן is consistently derived from the root דּוּן (dûn, `{{H1777}}`), which means "to judge," "to contend," or "to strive."
The semantic range of מָדוֹן thus encompasses various forms of conflict:
* **Personal Quarrels:** Disagreements and arguments between individuals.
* **Societal Discord:** Divisions and unrest within a community or nation.
* **Legal Disputes:** Contentious matters brought before a judge or in a court-like setting.
* **Verbal Strife:** Heated words, accusations, and backbiting that lead to division.
Its core meaning conveys a state of opposition, rivalry, or discord, often with negative connotations, highlighting the breakdown of peace and harmony.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מָדוֹן (mâdôwn, `{{H4067}}`) appears approximately 25 times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in the book of Proverbs, underscoring its importance in wisdom literature. Its usage consistently points to disruptive and destructive conflict.
In Proverbs, מָדוֹן is frequently presented as the antithesis of wisdom, peace, and order:
* It is often linked with negative character traits: "A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends" [[Proverbs 16:28]]. Similarly, "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention" [[Proverbs 15:18]]. Pride is also a source: "By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom" [[Proverbs 13:10]].
* It is depicted as something to be avoided and ceased: "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling" [[Proverbs 20:3]]. The wise know to distance themselves from it: "Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out; quarrels and insults will cease" [[Proverbs 22:10]].
* The consequences of מָדוֹן are severe: "The beginning of strife is like a letting out of water; therefore stop contention before it breaks out" [[Proverbs 17:14]]. It destroys peace and joy: "Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife" [[Proverbs 17:1]].
* It is associated with those who sow discord: "One who sows discord among brothers" [[Proverbs 6:14]], [[Proverbs 6:19]].
Beyond Proverbs, מָדוֹן also appears in other contexts:
* In Job, it describes contentious words: "Should a multitude of words go unanswered, and a talkative man be acquitted? Do your boasts silence men, and when you scoff, shall no one shame you?" [[Job 11:2]]. Here, it captures the essence of a verbal dispute.
* Jeremiah uses it to describe his contentious relationship with the people: "Woe to me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have not lent, nor have men lent to me, yet everyone curses me" [[Jeremiah 15:10]]. This highlights the prophet's perceived opposition from society due to his message.
The consistent contextual usage of מָדוֹן across these texts firmly establishes its meaning as "contention" or "strife," emphasizing its destructive nature and its opposition to peace and wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of מָדוֹן (mâdôwn, `{{H4067}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **Root דּוּן (dûn, `{{H1777}}`):** The verbal root from which מָדוֹן is derived. It means "to judge," "to contend," or "to strive." This connection highlights the inherent element of conflict or legal dispute within the word.
* **רִיב (rîb, `{{H7378}}`):** Often translated as "strife," "dispute," "quarrel," or "lawsuit." רִיב frequently appears in similar contexts to מָדוֹן, denoting a legal or personal contention. For example, "If you contend with your neighbor, don't reveal a secret" [[Proverbs 25:9]].
* **קְטָטָה (qᵉṭāṭāh, `{{H7072}}`):** A less frequent term, also meaning "quarrel" or "contention," often found in parallel with מָדוֹן (e.g., [[Proverbs 18:18]]).
* **מַצָּה (maṣṣāh, `{{H4683}}`):** Meaning "contention" or "strife," derived from נָצָה (nāṣāh, `{{H5327}}`), "to strive" or "to quarrel."
* **אַף (ʾap̄, `{{H639}}`):** "Anger" or "wrath." מָדוֹן is often a direct result of uncontrolled anger, as seen in [[Proverbs 15:18]].
* **שִׂנְאָה (śinʾāh, `{{H8130}}`):** "Hatred." Hatred is presented as a root cause of מָדוֹן: "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses" [[Proverbs 10:12]].
* **גַּאֲוָה (gaʾăwāh, `{{H1346}}`):** "Pride" or "arrogance." Pride is explicitly linked to the generation of מָדוֹן in [[Proverbs 13:10]].
* **שָׁלוֹם (shālôm, `{{H7965}}`):** "Peace," "wholeness," "well-being." מָדוֹן stands in direct opposition to *shalom*, representing its disruption and absence.
* **חָכְמָה (ḥāḵmāh, `{{H2451}}`):** "Wisdom." Wisdom literature consistently contrasts מָדוֹן with the path of wisdom, advocating for peace and understanding over conflict.
These related terms and concepts highlight that מָדוֹן is not an isolated phenomenon but is deeply intertwined with human character, interpersonal dynamics, and the presence or absence of divine wisdom and peace.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מָדוֹן (mâdôwn, `{{H4067}}`) is profound, particularly within the moral and ethical framework of the Old Testament:
* **Opposition to Divine Order and Shalom:** מָדוֹן represents a fundamental disruption of *shalom*, the holistic peace, harmony, and well-being that God intends for creation and humanity. God is a God of order and peace, and מָדוֹן is an affront to His character and His desire for humanity to live in harmonious community.
* **Manifestation of Sinful Nature:** The prevalence of מָדוֹן in human relationships is a clear indicator of the fallen, sinful nature of humanity. It stems from self-centeredness, pride, anger, and a lack of love for one's neighbor. The wisdom literature consistently attributes מָדוֹן to the foolish and the wicked, contrasting it with the conduct of the righteous.
* **Hindrance to Community and Fellowship:** מָדוֹן poisons relationships, divides families, communities, and even nations. It prevents true fellowship and cooperation, leading to isolation and hostility. The Bible strongly condemns those who sow discord, as seen in the list of things abominable to the Lord in [[Proverbs 6:16-19]].
* **Call to Righteous Living:** The consistent warnings against מָדוֹן serve as a powerful call to pursue righteousness, humility, and peace. Believers are exhorted to avoid strife, to be slow to anger, and to seek reconciliation. This pursuit of peace is not merely the absence of conflict but an active striving for harmony and justice.
* **Ethical Implications for Leadership:** Leaders, whether in the family, community, or nation, are particularly warned against fostering מָדוֹן. Their actions and words have the power to either quell or ignite contention, making the pursuit of peace a critical aspect of righteous leadership.
In essence, מָדוֹן is a theological indicator of a broken relationship with God and with others, calling individuals and communities back to the path of wisdom, peace, and love.
### Summary
The Hebrew term מָדוֹן (mâdôwn, `{{H4067}}`) unequivocally signifies "contention," "strife," or "dispute" in the biblical text. Derived from the root "to contend" or "to strive," it describes various forms of conflict, from personal quarrels to societal discord. Its frequent appearance, especially in the book of Proverbs, underscores its role as a key concept in wisdom literature, where it is consistently presented as antithetical to wisdom, peace, and harmony.
Biblical occurrences highlight מָדוֹן as a destructive force, often stemming from negative character traits such as pride, anger, and hatred. It is explicitly linked to behaviors that sow discord and break down relationships. The theological significance of מָדוֹן lies in its direct opposition to God's intended *shalom* for humanity and creation. It serves as a stark manifestation of human sinfulness, hindering genuine community and fellowship. The biblical witness, therefore, strongly warns against מָדוֹן, urging believers to pursue peace, humility, and righteousness as an expression of their walk with God.
TRV