רִיב (riv)
riv
to contend
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 57 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb riv means to strive or contend, capturing a wide range of conflict from physical grappling to legal debate. Its root sense involves tossing or wrangling, which explains why it describes everything Isaac’s servants arguing over wells (Genesis 26:20) and God pleading Israel’s case in court (Isaiah 1:17). It is not merely angry shouting but a structured engagement, often involving a formal complaint or lawsuit.
This word carries significant theological weight when applied to God. In passages like Isaiah 43:26, the people are invited to present their charges against Him, treating the relationship as a legal dispute that can be resolved through truth. Conversely, it describes human quarrels that disrupt community, such as the strife Nehemiah confronted in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 13:17). The term bridges physical struggle and verbal argument, showing how conflict manifests in both body and speech.
Translators render riv variously as "contend," "plead," or "strive" depending on context. When used of God, it often implies a righteous defense or a call to accountability. The sources highlight that this verb appears frequently in poetic and prophetic literature, where it underscores the seriousness of covenant relationships and the need for justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word riv captures the full spectrum of conflict, ranging from heated legal debates to physical struggles over resources. In Genesis 26, Isaac’s servants faced riv when herdsmen argued over wells, calling them Esek and Sitnah. This term shows that contention is not just about anger; it involves structured engagement where parties present their cases. When human relationships break down into this kind of strife, it disrupts community and requires patience to navigate.
Yet riv also carries profound theological weight when applied to God. In passages like Isaiah 1:17, the Lord invites Israel to bring their case before Him, treating the relationship as a legal dispute that can be resolved through truth. This suggests that God does not shy away from our complaints but offers a path toward justice and restoration. Even in Job’s struggles, the verb highlights the seriousness of covenant relationships and the need for accountability.
Understanding riv helps us see how conflict manifests in both speech and action. It reminds us that while human quarrels can be destructive, God’s engagement with His people is rooted in righteousness. Whether we are dealing with personal disputes or seeking answers to life’s hard questions, this word points to the possibility of resolution through honest dialogue and divine grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 57 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will conduct4×
- and/ I contended/ !3×
- will he conduct a case2×
- to/ conduct a case2×
- let him conduct a case2×
- he will conduct a case2×
- conduct/ !2×
- and/ they disputed2×
- and/ it quarreled2×
- I will contend2×
- ¿/ will he contend1×
- ¿/ really <to quarrel>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָרִ֣יב4×
- רִיבָ֣/ה3×
- רָב֙2×
- רִ֣יב2×
- לָ/רִ֣יב2×
- יָרִ֥יב2×
- יָרִ֖יב2×
- וָ/אָרִ֙יבָ/ה֙2×
- אָרִ֔יב2×
- תָּרִ֣יב1×
- תְּרִיבוּ/ן֙1×
- תְּרִיבֽוּ/ן\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:20
The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
This verse illustrates riv as a physical and verbal dispute over resources, naming the well Esek to mark the contention.
-
Exodus 17:2
Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?”
Here the people’s quarrel with Moses reveals how riv can escalate into testing God’s presence and provision.
-
Job 9:3
If he is pleased to contend with him, he can’t answer him one time in a thousand.
This occurrence highlights the asymmetry in divine-human contention, emphasizing that no one can successfully argue against God’s wisdom.
-
Nehemiah 13:17
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?
Nehemiah uses riv to confront nobles who profaned the Sabbath, showing it as a tool for restoring covenant faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every Occurrence (57 verses across 16 books)
Genesis 4 verses
The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well…
Genesis 26:21They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. So he called its name Sitnah.
Genesis 26:22He left that place, and dug another well. They didn’t argue over that one. So he called it Rehoboth. He said, “For now…
Genesis 31:36Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly…