ἔρις

contention, strife

Definition

ἔρις (eris) refers to a contentious, quarrelsome, and divisive spirit that leads to conflict and discord. It describes the active state of rivalry, strife, and factionalism that disrupts community harmony. In the New Testament, it is consistently portrayed as a destructive vice, often listed among other sins of social discord, such as jealousy and outbursts of anger (e.g., Romans 13:13, Galatians 5:20). In Philippians 1:15, it appears in a more specific context, describing the 'selfish ambition' of some who preach Christ from wrong motives, even amidst the spread of the gospel.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in a negative sense in the New Testament, primarily in Paul's epistles, where he addresses church conflicts and ethical instruction. It appears in lists of vices that characterize godless living (Romans 1:29) or fleshly behavior (Galatians 5:20). Paul specifically rebukes it as a sign of spiritual immaturity within the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:11, 3:3) and includes it in a list of behaviors he fears to find upon his visit (2 Corinthians 12:20). Its usage consistently highlights behaviors that fracture Christian unity.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb ἐρίζω (erizō), meaning 'to quarrel' or 'to strive.' The noun ἔρις carries the core idea of contention or rivalry. It is a classical term for strife, often used in Greek literature to describe both personal quarrels and larger conflicts, a sense retained in its New Testament usage.

Semantic Range

ἔρις is theologically significant as a key marker of 'works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19-21) that oppose the fruit of the Spirit. It represents the sinful, self-centered discord that destroys Christian fellowship and unity, which the church is called to embody. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that biblical warnings against 'strife' are not about minor disagreements but a pervasive, divisive attitude that Paul treats as a serious spiritual threat to the community.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἔρις could denote a competitive spirit, which was not always negative in a society that valued public honor and rivalry. However, the New Testament authors consistently use it in a wholly negative sense, rejecting such divisive competition as antithetical to the Christian ethic of love, humility, and unity within the body of Christ.

διχοστασία (dichostasia, G1390) — emphasizes division, dissension, or creating factions. μάχη (machē, G3163) — focuses more on quarrels, disputes, or literal fights.

Word Details

Scripture References