### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉdân**, represented by `{{H4090}}`, means **discord** or **strife**. It is described as a form of `{{H4066}}` mâdôwn, which signifies a contest or quarrel. Appearing **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, `{{H4090}}` consistently refers to the intentional creation of conflict and division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4090}}` is always presented as a destructive outcome of negative character traits. It is something "stirred up" by **hatred** `{{H8135}}`, in direct contrast to love which covers sins [[Proverbs 10:12]]. The word is also used to describe something actively sown. A person with **frowardness** `{{H8419}}` in their heart who continually devises mischief is said to sow **discord** [[Proverbs 6:14]]. Similarly, a false witness who speaks lies is one who sows **discord** among brethren [[Proverbs 6:19]], highlighting its role in breaking relational unity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the nature and source of the conflict described by `{{H4090}}`:
* `{{H4066}}` **mâdôwn** (a contest or quarrel): This is the root word from which **mᵉdân** is derived. It signifies a broader sense of contention and brawling and appears alongside `{{H4090}}` in contexts describing a froward person sowing strife [[Proverbs 6:14]].
* `{{H8135}}` **sinʼâh** (hate): This term for hatred is identified as the direct catalyst for **strife**, which it "stirreth up" [[Proverbs 10:12]]. This establishes a clear link between internal animosity and external conflict.
* `{{H7971}}` **shâlach** (to send... sow): This verb, which can mean "to sow," is used twice to describe the deliberate action of spreading **discord** ([[Proverbs 6:14]], [[Proverbs 6:19]]). It emphasizes that strife is not accidental but actively planted.
### Theological Significance
The theological concept of `{{H4090}}` centers on the destructive nature of deliberate division.
* **The Fruit of a Corrupt Heart:** Scripture connects the sowing of **discord** `{{H4090}}` directly to internal wickedness, such as a heart filled with **frowardness** `{{H8419}}` that devises **mischief** `{{H7451}}` continually [[Proverbs 6:14]]. Strife is thus an outward manifestation of an inner moral state.
* **An Attack on Unity:** The act of sowing **discord** is specifically condemned when it occurs "among brethren" [[Proverbs 6:19]]. This underscores the severe nature of disrupting community and fellowship, which are highly valued.
* **The Opposite of Love:** In a stark contrast, **hatred** `{{H8135}}` stirs up **strifes** `{{H4090}}`, while **love** `{{H160}}` is presented as the remedy that "covereth all sins" [[Proverbs 10:12]]. This positions discord as a force directly opposed to the restorative and unifying power of love.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4090}}` **mᵉdân** is a potent term for strife that is intentionally created. It is not a simple disagreement but rather a malicious discord sown by those with hateful and perverse hearts. Its presence in Scripture serves as a strong warning against the internal attitudes that lead to external division, pointing instead to love as the force that covers offenses and preserves unity.
TRV