παραδιατριβή (paradiatribē)
paradiatribē
contention
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paradiatribē describes a state of idle wrangling or empty contention. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 6:5, where Paul characterizes the arguments of those who are corrupted in mind and deprived of the truth.
Its meaning derives from roots suggesting friction or irritation, implying that such disputes are not productive but rather serve as a misuse of time and energy. The sources define it as "useless occupation" or "empty business," highlighting that these conflicts lack any genuine spiritual value or constructive outcome.
This rare word captures the specific kind of debate that arises from a desire to appear wise while actually being lost in error. By labeling it as mere friction, the text distinguishes true theology from the hollow squabbles that distract believers from the godliness that brings contentment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paradiatribē points to a specific kind of friction in our conversations — arguments that feel like busywork but lead nowhere. In 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul describes these exchanges as constant friction from people whose minds are corrupted. It is not the healthy debate that seeks truth, but rather empty contention that distracts us from what truly matters.
When we find ourselves caught in such disputes, it helps to remember that godliness is not about winning an argument or proving someone else wrong. True faith brings contentment and peace, not endless squabbles over opinions. This word reminds us to guard our hearts against conversations that drain our energy without building up love.
Instead of engaging in these hollow disputes, Paul advises us to withdraw. This does not mean ignoring truth, but refusing to feed a fire that has no purpose. We are called to pursue peace and godliness, letting go of battles that only serve to divide rather than unite the body of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [and] constant frictions1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαπαρατριβαὶ1×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 6:5
constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Paul uses it to label the empty arguments of those who mistake religion for a way to gain profit.