a variation for מָדוֹן; {a contest or quarrel}; brawling, contention(-ous).
Transliteration:midyân
Pronunciation:mid-yawn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מִדְיָן (midyân), as defined for this study, functions as a lexical variation of `{{H4066}}` (מָדוֹן, madon). Its core semantic range encompasses concepts of "contest," "quarrel," "brawling," and "contention." This indicates a state of discord, dispute, or active conflict between individuals or groups. It denotes a negative force that disrupts peace and harmony, emphasizing the act or state of engaging in strife.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the lemma מִדְיָן (midyân) is overwhelmingly recognized and used in biblical texts as the proper noun "Midian" (referring to a people and a region), the specific definition provided for this entry—"a variation for `{{H4066}}`; a contest or quarrel; brawling, contention(-ous)"—points to a distinct, non-proper noun usage. It is important to note that direct occurrences of H4079 with *this specific meaning* (i.e., "strife" or "contention" as a common noun) are not explicitly found in the biblical corpus. Instead, the concept of "strife" is consistently and predominantly conveyed by its more common lexical counterpart, `{{H4066}}` (מָדוֹן). Therefore, any contextual analysis of "midyân" as "strife" must be understood through the lens of its conceptual synonym, `{{H4066}}`, which appears frequently in wisdom literature and other genres to describe interpersonal conflict and societal discord.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is `{{H4066}}` (מָדוֹן, madon), which serves as the primary biblical word for "strife" or "contention." Other related concepts and words that convey similar notions of conflict or discord include:
* `{{H7378}}` (רִיב, riv): "dispute," "contention," "legal case." Often refers to a quarrel or lawsuit.
* `{{H342}}` (אֵיבָה, eivah): "enmity," "hostility," "hatred." Describes a deeper, ingrained animosity.
* The broader biblical theme of "peace" (e.g., `{{H7965}}`, שָׁלוֹם, shalom) stands in stark opposition to "midyân" as contention, highlighting the desired state of harmony.
### Theological Significance
As a term denoting "strife" or "contention," מִדְיָן (midyân) carries significant theological weight, reflecting God's perspective on human conflict. The Scriptures consistently portray strife as antithetical to divine order and communal well-being. It is often listed among the "works of the flesh" ([[Galatians 5:20]]) and is contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit, such as peace, patience, and kindness.
Theological implications include:
* **Disruption of Shalom:** Strife fundamentally undermines the biblical concept of *shalom*, which encompasses wholeness, peace, and flourishing.
* **Consequence of Sin:** Contention is often presented as a direct result of human sinfulness, pride, and selfish ambition ([[James 3:16]]).
* **Condemnation in Wisdom Literature:** Proverbs, in particular, frequently warns against the destructive nature of quarrels and those who instigate them ([[Proverbs 17:1]], [[Proverbs 26:21]]). God is depicted as abhorring those who sow discord ([[Proverbs 6:19]]).
* **Call to Reconciliation:** The presence of strife in the world underscores the biblical call for reconciliation, peacemaking, and the pursuit of unity among believers ([[Romans 12:18]], [[Ephesians 4:3]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word מִדְיָן (midyân), as defined for this study (H4079), signifies "strife," "quarrel," or "contention," serving as a variation of `{{H4066}}` (מָדוֹן). While the lemma is predominantly associated with the proper noun "Midian" in biblical texts, this specific entry highlights its rare conceptual connection to discord. Direct occurrences of H4079 with this common noun meaning are not found, but the underlying concept of strife is widely addressed through `{{H4066}}` and other related terms. Theologically, "midyân" represents a state contrary to God's desire for peace and unity, consistently condemned in Scripture as a product of sin and a destructive force within human relationships and communities. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers away from such contention and towards the pursuit of harmony and *shalom*.
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