### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **matstsâh**, represented by `{{H4683}}`, is a term for **a quarrel; contention, debate, strife**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its specific use in describing destructive conflict.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H4683}}` consistently appears in contexts that warn against its divisive nature. It is presented as the direct result of **pride** `{{H2087}}`, in contrast to the **wisdom** `{{H2451}}` found with the well advised [[Proverbs 13:10]]. The love of **strife** `{{H4683}}` is equated with a love for **transgression** `{{H6588}}`, a path that ultimately leads to destruction [[Proverbs 17:19]]. Furthermore, it is shown to corrupt religious acts, as the people are described as fasting for **strife** `{{H7379}}` and **debate** `{{H4683}}`, which leads to violence and prevents their voices from being heard by God [[Isaiah 58:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the character and consequences of `{{H4683}}`:
* `{{H2087}}` **zâdôwn** (pride): Defined as **arrogance**, this word is identified as the source from which **contention** `{{H4683}}` comes [[Proverbs 13:10]].
* `{{H2451}}` **chokmâh** (wisdom): Signifying **wisdom (in a good sense)**, it is presented as the antidote to contention, found among the **well advised** `{{H3289}}` [[Proverbs 13:10]].
* `{{H7379}}` **rîyb** (strife): Meaning **a contest (personal or legal)**, this word is used in parallel with **debate** `{{H4683}}` to describe a contentious spirit that invalidates fasting [[Isaiah 58:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4683}}` is significant, serving as a caution against a particular type of sin.
* **A Fruit of Pride:** Scripture directly attributes **contention** `{{H4683}}` to an inner state of **pride** `{{H2087}}`, linking external conflict to internal arrogance [[Proverbs 13:10]].
* **An Expression of Sin:** Loving **strife** `{{H4683}}` is not a morally neutral act but is explicitly connected to loving **transgression** `{{H6588}}`. This disposition is said to actively seek **destruction** `{{H7667}}` [[Proverbs 17:19]].
* **A Barrier to God:** Acts of worship, such as fasting, are rendered meaningless when performed with a heart of **debate** `{{H4683}}`. Such conflict is associated with wickedness and prevents one's voice from being **heard on high** `{{H4791}}` [[Isaiah 58:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4683}}` is more than a simple disagreement. It represents a destructive form of conflict rooted in pride and allied with transgression. The biblical occurrences of **matstsâh** serve as a clear warning that a contentious spirit not only leads to ruin but also creates a barrier between humanity and God, invalidating even the most sincere acts of religious devotion.
TRV