πολεμέω (polemeō)
polemeō
to fight
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb polemeō means to wage war or engage in armed conflict. Its root is the noun for "war" (polemos), which gives it a concrete, physical sense of battle rather than abstract disagreement. In the New Testament, it appears only six times, concentrating heavily in the book of Revelation where it describes cosmic and earthly conflicts.
John uses this word to depict intense spiritual struggles. For instance, Michael and his angels fight against the dragon in Revelation 12:7, while the rider on the white horse makes war against evil forces in Revelation 19:11. The text also notes that those who dwell on earth will wage war against the two witnesses (Revelation 13:4) and that the kings of the earth will fight against the Lamb (Revelation 17:14).
James applies this term differently, using it hyperbolically to describe internal strife. He asks what causes fights and quarrels among believers, suggesting they come from their own desires at war within them (James 4:2). Here, the military language highlights how unchecked passions turn community members into adversaries against one another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word polemeō describes active conflict, whether in the skies above or within our own hearts. In Revelation, it paints a picture of cosmic battles where truth stands against deception. These images remind us that spiritual realities are serious and that evil forces are actively opposing God’s purposes. Yet, the text assures us that the Lamb always overcomes.
James uses this strong language differently to address our personal lives. He points out that fights among believers often start with inner desires that pull us in different directions. This is a call to examine our motives rather than blame others. When we feel tension in our relationships, it may be a sign that our own wants are at war.
We do not fight these battles alone. The same power that defeated the dragon in heaven is available to us. By asking God for wisdom and aligning our hearts with His will, we can find peace even when conflict surrounds us. This word invites us to trust in Christ’s victory while working toward harmony with those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wrangle;1×
- warred [back]1×
- war will make,1×
- to war1×
- to make war1×
- makes war;1×
- I will make war1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πολεμῆσαι2×
- ἐπολέμησεν1×
- πολεμήσω1×
- πολεμήσουσιν,1×
- πολεμεῖτε·1×
- πολεμεῖ·1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 12:7
There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
This verse uses polemeō to describe the first recorded heavenly conflict, establishing the spiritual reality behind earthly struggles.
-
James 4:2
You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
Here the word shifts from cosmic war to internal strife, showing how unchecked personal desires lead to external conflict.
-
Revelation of John 17:14
These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
This occurrence highlights the ultimate outcome of such warfare, emphasizing that the Lamb’s victory is certain and absolute.