מְדָן (me.dan)
me.dan
strife
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun medon describes a state of active conflict or heated argument. It is not merely a difference of opinion but a palpable tension between parties, often characterized by loud or aggressive disagreement. In the biblical text, it appears with enough frequency in wisdom literature to serve as a key descriptor for family discord and social unrest.
Its primary usage highlights the destructive nature of such disputes. The word frequently functions as the object of verbs like "provoking" or "causing," illustrating how strife is often ignited by specific behaviors. For instance, Proverbs 15:18 contrasts a person who stirs up medon with one who calms a quarrel, while Proverbs 20:3 warns that avoiding contention is a mark of honor. These contexts frame the word not just as noise, but as a relational fracture that requires deliberate peace-making to heal.
Etymologically, medon derives from a root meaning to strive or contend. This linguistic background reinforces its sense of vigorous opposition. Unlike terms for silent resentment, medon implies an outward expression of conflict. Translators typically render it as "strife" or "contention," capturing the energetic and disruptive quality that characterizes these biblical warnings against discord.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word medon describes a raw, active conflict that fractures relationships. It is not simply a difference of opinion, but a heated argument that creates palpable tension between people. In the biblical wisdom literature, this term highlights how destructive such disputes can be, often serving as a warning against behaviors that ignite anger and division within families or communities.
Understanding this word helps us recognize the gravity of our own interactions. When Proverbs 10:12 notes that hatred stirs up medon, it reminds us that love has the power to cover wrongs and prevent these fractures from widening. By choosing patience over reaction, we can help heal relational wounds rather than adding fuel to the fire.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- contentions2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְדָנִ֑ים1×
- מְ֝דָנִ֗ים1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
This verse contrasts the destructive power of hatred with the healing nature of love, showing how medon is actively stirred up by negative emotions.
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Proverbs 6:19
a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
Here, sowing discord among brothers is listed alongside serious sins, emphasizing that creating medon damages the fundamental bonds of community.