ἐρίζω (erizō)
erizō
to quarrel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb erizō describes the act of wrangling or engaging in heated strife. It carries a sense of contentious dispute, often implying a lack of peace and a focus on winning an argument rather than seeking truth. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Matthew 12:19.
Thayer’s Lexicon highlights its use here to contrast Jesus’ calm demeanor with the vehemence of religious leaders who were wrangling over tenets and practices. This single occurrence underscores the word’s negative connotation; it is not used for constructive debate but for discordant quarreling that disrupts harmony.
Derived from eris, meaning strife or discord, erizō points to a specific kind of human conflict rooted in pride or stubbornness. Translators typically render it as "quarrel" or "strive," capturing the tension inherent in such interactions. The word serves as a stark reminder of the peace Jesus embodies against the background of religious controversy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word erizō captures a specific kind of conflict where people argue to win rather than to understand. It describes heated wrangling that disrupts peace and focuses on pride instead of truth. In Matthew 12:19, this term highlights how Jesus refused to join such disputes. He did not engage in the shouting matches or bitter quarrels that characterized the religious leaders of His day.
For your daily life, this offers a gentle invitation to step back from unnecessary strife. When tensions rise, you can choose a different path—one marked by calmness and respect for others. Jesus models a way of being that values harmony over victory in argument. This approach brings relief to relationships and reflects the peace He offers.
By avoiding erizō-style conflicts, you create space for grace and understanding. It is not about ignoring important issues but handling them with gentleness. Let this example guide your interactions, fostering an environment where truth can be shared without discord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will He quarrel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐρίσει1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 12:19
He will not strive, nor shout, neither will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
This verse uses the word to describe Jesus' refusal to engage in the contentious disputes typical of His critics, highlighting His calm demeanor.