a form of מָדוֹן; {a contest or quarrel}; discord, strife.
Transliteration:mᵉdân
Pronunciation:med-awn'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְדָן (mᵉdân), designated as `{{H4090}}`, is presented as a form related to מָדוֹן (mādôn), `{{H4079}}`. Its core meaning encompasses "a contest or quarrel," extending semantically to "discord" and "strife." This suggests a state of active contention, dispute, or antagonism, often indicative of a breakdown in harmonious relations. While the specific form `{{H4090}}` is most commonly identified as a proper noun (Medan, a son of Abraham), the provided base definition points to a potential or etymological connection to the concept of conflict. Thus, its semantic range, when considered in this light, covers verbal disputes, social friction, and the general state of contention that disrupts peace.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While `{{H4090}}` primarily functions in the Masoretic Text as the proper noun "Medan" ([[Genesis 25:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:32]]), the provided definition directs our attention to its potential as a common noun denoting "strife" or "quarrel," likely as a rare or archaic form related to `{{H4079}}`. If used in this sense, its contextual analysis would align closely with that of its cognate `{{H4079}}`, which is frequently found in wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Proverbs. In such contexts, "strife" is depicted as a destructive force that undermines familial bonds, community cohesion, and personal well-being. It is often associated with the foolish, the proud, and those who lack self-control. For example, the related term `{{H4079}}` appears in contexts like "A contentious wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day" ([[Proverbs 27:15]]) or "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling" ([[Proverbs 20:3]]). Therefore, were `{{H4090}}` to appear with this meaning, it would similarly denote an undesirable and chaotic element in human relationships, contrasting sharply with wisdom and peace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is מָדוֹן (mādôn), `{{H4079}}`, from which מְדָן (mᵉdân) is said to be a form or cognate. Both terms share the semantic field of "strife, contention, dispute, quarrel." Other related concepts and terms that describe various forms of conflict or opposition include:
* **רִיב (rîb) `{{H7378}}`**: Often translated as "strife," "contention," or "dispute," particularly in legal or judicial contexts, but also in general interpersonal conflict.
* **קְצָפָה (qᵉtsāpāh) `{{H7107}}`**: Though less direct, can denote "wrath" or "fury," which can lead to or be a component of strife.
* **מַצָּה (maṣṣāh) `{{H4683}}`**: (Note: This Strong's number is for "unleavened bread." A more appropriate related term for conflict might be from the root for contention, like נָצָה (nātsāh) `{{H5327}}`, "to strive, contend.") *Correction: The provided Strong's for "maṣṣāh" is for unleavened bread. My apologies. A more appropriate related word might be from the root for contention, such as the verb רִיב (rîb) `{{H7378}}` or a noun like מְרִיבָה (mᵉrîbāh) `{{H4807}}`, meaning "strife, contention."*
The common thread among these terms is the disruption of peace and the presence of antagonism, whether verbal, social, or physical.
### Theological Significance
The concept of strife (מְדָן/מָדוֹן) carries significant theological weight within the biblical narrative. Fundamentally, strife stands in direct opposition to *shalom*, the biblical ideal of holistic peace, wholeness, and well-being. It represents a fracturing of relationships, both human-to-human and potentially human-to-God, stemming from the fallen nature of humanity.
In wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, strife is consistently portrayed as a characteristic of the foolish, the wicked, and the proud. It is a source of ruin, bringing division to families, communities, and even nations. The pursuit of peace and the avoidance of contention are virtues highly commended, reflecting a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom. God is depicted as a God of order and peace, not of chaos and discord. Therefore, engaging in or fostering strife is seen as contrary to God's character and His desire for humanity. Believers are exhorted to live in peace with one another ([[Romans 12:18]]) and to be peacemakers ([[Matthew 5:9]]), actively working to resolve conflict and promote unity rather than discord.
### Summary
The term מְדָן (mᵉdân), `{{H4090}}`, while primarily known as a proper noun, is defined as a form related to מָדוֹן (mādôn), `{{H4079}}`, signifying "a contest or quarrel," "discord," and "strife." This semantic range highlights a state of contention that disrupts harmony and peace. Although its direct occurrences as a common noun for "strife" are not prominent, its conceptual link to `{{H4079}}` places it within a significant biblical theme, especially in wisdom literature. Theologically, strife is presented as a negative consequence of human sinfulness, antithetical to God's desire for *shalom* and a behavior that believers are called to avoid and actively counteract by pursuing peace and unity.
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