### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מְרִיבָה (mᵉrîybâh), Strong's `{{H4808}}`, denotes a "quarrel," "provocation," or "strife." It is derived from the verbal root רִיב (rîyb), `{{H7378}}`, which means "to contend," "to strive," "to dispute," or "to quarrel." As a noun, mᵉrîybâh captures the state or act of contention, often implying a contentious spirit, a dispute, or a conflict that disrupts peace and harmony. Its semantic range encompasses both the initial act of challenging or provoking and the ongoing state of disagreement or conflict, whether verbal or leading to more significant division.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mᵉrîybâh appears frequently in the Old Testament, providing significant insight into its usage. One of its most notable occurrences is as the proper noun "Meribah," referring to two specific locations where the Israelites contended with God and Moses during their wilderness wanderings.
* At Rephidim, the people quarreled with Moses over water, leading Moses to name the place Massah and Meribah ([[Exodus 17:7]]). Here, mᵉrîybâh directly signifies the "contention" or "quarrel" of the people.
* Later, at Kadesh, a similar incident occurred, again resulting in the place being called Meribah ([[Numbers 20:13]]). This second instance is particularly significant as it was here that Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, leading to him and Aaron being barred from entering the Promised Land due to their own lack of faith in the midst of the people's "strife" ([[Numbers 20:24]], [[Deuteronomy 32:51]]).
These historical accounts establish mᵉrîybâh as a profound theological concept representing rebellion, testing God, and a lack of trust.
Beyond these specific place names, mᵉrîybâh frequently appears in the wisdom literature, particularly the book of Proverbs, to describe interpersonal strife and its negative consequences:
* [[Proverbs 17:1]] contrasts a dry morsel with quietness with a house full of feasting with mᵉrîybâh, emphasizing the destructive nature of contention.
* [[Proverbs 18:6]] states that "A fool's lips enter into contention (mᵉrîybâh), and his mouth calls for blows," linking strife directly to foolishness and physical harm.
* [[Proverbs 20:3]] declares that "It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife (mᵉrîybâh), but every fool will be quarreling." This verse highlights wisdom in avoiding contention.
* [[Proverbs 22:10]] advises, "Drive out a scoffer, and strife (mᵉrîybâh) goes out with him; quarrels and insults cease," suggesting that certain individuals are catalysts for mᵉrîybâh.
* [[Proverbs 26:21]] uses an analogy: "As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife (mᵉrîybâh)," illustrating how some personalities fuel conflict.
These contexts consistently portray mᵉrîybâh as a negative force, destructive to relationships, peace, and societal order, often associated with folly, anger, and unrighteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root רִיב (rîyb), `{{H7378}}`, from which mᵉrîybâh is directly derived. This root signifies the act of contending or striving.
Other related Hebrew terms and concepts include:
* מַצָּה (matstsah), `{{H4683}}`, which also means "contention" or "strife," though from a different root.
* זָדוֹן (zadon), `{{H2184}}`, "insolence" or "presumption," which often leads to mᵉrîybâh as arrogant individuals provoke conflict.
* The concept of *shalom* (שָׁלוֹם), `{{H7965}}`, "peace," "wholeness," or "well-being," stands in direct antithesis to mᵉrîybâh.
In the New Testament, parallel Greek concepts include:
* ἔρις (eris), `{{G2054}}`, "strife" or "contention," frequently listed as a work of the flesh (e.g., [[Galatians 5:20]]).
* φιλονεικία (philoneikia), `{{G5456}}`, "love of contention" or "quarrelsomeness."
* μάχη (mache), `{{G3163}}`, "fight" or "quarrel."
These related terms underscore the universal biblical condemnation of strife and contention, whether in the Old or New Covenants.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mᵉrîybâh is multifaceted.
First, the incidents at Meribah serve as a perpetual warning against contending with God. Israel's mᵉrîybâh against the Lord and His appointed leaders demonstrated a profound lack of faith and trust, leading to severe consequences. It highlights God's sovereignty and the danger of human rebellion against divine authority. This historical precedent underscores that mᵉrîybâh is not merely an interpersonal issue but can be a direct affront to the Creator.
Second, mᵉrîybâh is consistently presented as antithetical to *shalom*. God is a God of peace and order, and His desire for His people is one of harmonious community and individual well-being. Strife, by its very nature, disrupts this divine order, sowing discord, division, and bitterness. It is a manifestation of human brokenness and sin, reflecting a fallen world where relationships are fractured.
Third, in the wisdom literature, mᵉrîybâh is a hallmark of folly and unrighteousness. The wise person actively avoids it, while the fool instigates or wallows in it. This makes mᵉrîybâh a moral and ethical concern, indicating a character flaw that hinders spiritual maturity and communal flourishing. It suggests that a contentious spirit is incompatible with a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom.
Finally, the presence of mᵉrîybâh within a community or individual often points to deeper spiritual issues, such as pride, anger, selfishness, or a lack of self-control. It is a symptom of a heart not fully surrendered to God's will and His call to love and unity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְרִיבָה (mᵉrîybâh), `{{H4808}}`, profoundly encapsulates the concept of "quarrel," "provocation," and "strife." Rooted in the verb `{{H7378}}` (rîyb, "to contend"), it describes both the act and state of contention. Biblically, its most iconic usage is in the place name Meribah, where Israel's lack of faith and contention with God and Moses resulted in divine judgment, serving as a powerful paradigm of rebellion. In the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, mᵉrîybâh is consistently condemned as a destructive force, characteristic of folly and detrimental to peace and community. Theologically, mᵉrîybâh stands in stark opposition to God's desire for *shalom* and highlights the destructive nature of human sin and rebellion, both against God and within human relationships. It serves as a potent reminder of the need for humility, wisdom, and the pursuit of peace.
TRV