The meaning of “μάχομαι”
Understanding máchomai reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
middle voice of an apparently primary verb fight, strive. - to war, i.e. (figuratively) to quarrel, dispute
μάχομαι
middle voice of an apparently primary verb fight, strive. - to war, i.e. (figuratively) to quarrel, dispute
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| John 6:52 | “The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Word: μάχομαι (máchomai) | |
| Acts 7:26 | “And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?” Word: μάχομαι (máchomai) | |
| 2 Timothy 2:24 | “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” Word: μάχομαι (máchomai) | |
| James 4:2 | “Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” Word: μάχομαι (máchomai) |