Original Word: μάχη
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: maché
Pronunciation: mah-KHAY
Phonetic Spelling: (makh'-ay)
KJV: fighting, strive, striving
NASB: conflicts, disputes, quarrels
Word Origin: [from G3164 (μάχομαι - argue)]

1. a battle
2. (figuratively) controversy

fighting, strive, striving.

From machomai; a battle, i.e. (figuratively) controversy -- fighting, strive, striving.

see GREEK machomai

Word Origin
from machomai
Definition
a fight
NASB Translation
conflicts (2), disputes (1), quarrels (1).

STRONGS NT 3163: μάχη

μάχη, μάχης, ἡ (μάχομαι; from Homer down), the Sept. several times for רִיב, מָדון, etc.; a flight, combat;

1. of those in arms, a battle.

2. of persons at variance disputants, etc., strife, contention; a quarrel: 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Timothy 2:23; James 4:1; μάχαι νομικαι, contentions about the law, Titus 3:9.

Semantic Field and Biblical Usage

Although rooted in military language for hand-to-hand combat, the word in the New Testament always denotes contentious disputes among people. Each instance exposes the destructive force of strife inside or outside the church and calls believers to a radically different spirit.

Contexts of Occurrence

2 Corinthians 7:5 – In Macedonia Paul faced “conflicts on the outside, fears within”, highlighting the external pressures that compounded apostolic hardship.

James 4:1 – James uncovers the inner origin: “What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Do they not come from the passions at war within you?”.

2 Timothy 2:23 – Timothy must “reject foolish and ignorant controversies, because you know that they breed quarrels”, a pastoral guard against fruitless debate.

Titus 3:9 – Titus receives similar counsel: “avoid foolish controversies… and quarrels about the Law, because these things are pointless and worthless”.

Theological Significance

The term portrays contention as a form of spiritual warfare initiated by fleshly desires and exploited by the devil (compare 2 Timothy 2:26). Strife opposes the reconciling work of Christ, fractures fellowship, and undermines witness. The scriptural antidote is humility, repentance, and submission to divine authority, leading to the peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

Historical Background

Greco-Roman society prized rhetoric and public disputation, and the synagogue tradition included vigorous debate over the Law. Early believers, drawn from these cultures, readily imported argumentative habits. Apostolic correction therefore targets culturally reinforced patterns, insisting on unity grounded in the gospel rather than in speculative or partisan agendas.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Leaders cultivate a teaching environment that avoids needless controversy, focusing instead on “sound doctrine” that issues in love (1 Timothy 1:3-5).
• Correction is administered “with gentleness” (2 Timothy 2:24-25), trusting God to grant repentance.
• Congregations practice Matthew 18 reconciliation and, when necessary, Titus 3 discipline toward persistent divisiveness.
• Individual discipleship stresses crucifying fleshly passions (Galatians 5:24-25), fostering the fruit of peace.

Related Themes and Cross-References

Peace and unity: Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 4:7

Wisdom from above: James 3:17-18

Works of the flesh: Galatians 5:19-21

Gentle correction: 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Timothy 2:24

Across its four occurrences the term underscores a consistent biblical ethic: God’s people must renounce quarrelsome conduct and embody the reconciling peace secured by Christ.

μαχαι μάχαι μάχαις μαχας μάχας μάχη μαχήλ μάχην μάχης μαχηταί μαχηταίς μαχητάς μαχητήν μαχητής μαχήτης μαχητού μαχητών μάχιμοι μαχίμου μαχίμων machai máchai machas máchasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts