ἐρίζω
erízō
G2051 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To contend or quarrel, to engage in rivalry or dispute. Indicates entering into conflict or competition, whether with words, personal ambition, or contentious behavior. Broader semantic range includes both hostile argumentation and competitive striving, depending on context.
Semantic Range
to quarrel, to argue, to contend, to be at odds, to rival, to dispute, to vie, to compete
Root / Etymology
From the noun ἔρις (strife, discord), itself of uncertain Indo-European origin. ἐρίζω is a denominative verb formation meaning 'to act or behave like ἔρις.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested from early classical Greek (e.g., Homer) onward, ἐρίζω denotes engaging in quarrel or rivalry. In classical sources, it may refer to vigorous debate, contest of opinions, personal rivalry, or outright strife. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the word maintains this range but sometimes acquires a more figurative sense of striving or being contentious (cf. LXX Wis 6:9; NT Jude 9, where ἐρίζω appears in the sense of arguing but not necessarily with open hostility). The term is less common in the New Testament, often giving place to more specific words for anger or debate. English translations often render it as 'strive' or 'contend,' but the word can include both argument and rivalry, not always implying open conflict. Its nuance can differ from related terms such as διαλέγομαι (to discuss) or μάχομαι (to fight), which may have more or less violent or physical connotations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἔρις; to wrangle:--strive.
Root Family
ἐρίζω (erízō) — to quarrel, to contend, to dispute, to strive
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2051-01 |
ἐρίσει | erisei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
strive | he/she/it will contend | he will contend | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2051-01 |
Matthew 12:19 | ἐρίσει | erisei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
strive | he/she/it will contend | he will contend |