מְדָן
Definition
מְדָן refers to discord, strife, or contention between people. It describes a state of conflict, quarrel, or dispute, often arising from interpersonal hostility. In Proverbs 6:19, it is listed among the things God hates—'a person who sows discord among brothers'—highlighting its destructive social nature. In Proverbs 10:12, it contrasts sharply with love, which 'covers all offenses,' emphasizing that hatred stirs up מְדָן.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in the book of Proverbs. It is used in wisdom literature to describe interpersonal conflict and social discord. In Proverbs 6:19, it is associated with actions that sow division among close relationships. In Proverbs 10:12, it is presented as the natural result of hatred, contrasted with the reconciling power of love.
Etymology
מְדָן is a noun derived from the root מָדוֹן (H4066), which means strife or contention. It is a less common form of that root, sharing the same core meaning. Cognates in other Semitic languages also point to meanings related to dispute or quarrel, indicating a long-standing concept of conflict.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it addresses human sin and social brokenness. It appears in contexts condemning behaviors that destroy community (Proverbs 6:19) and illustrating the fruit of hatred versus love (Proverbs 10:12). Understanding מְדָן enriches reading by highlighting the biblical value of peace, unity, and love as antidotes to divisive strife, reflecting God's desire for harmonious relationships among His people.
In ancient Israelite wisdom culture, maintaining social harmony and family unity was paramount. מְדָן represented a serious breach of this value, as discord could threaten the stability of the community. The strong condemnation in Proverbs reflects a cultural priority on peacemaking and collective well-being over individual conflict.
מָדוֹן (mâdôn, H4066) — the more common root form, identical in meaning. רִיב (rîḇ, H7379) — a legal dispute or controversy, often more formal. מַחֲלֹקֶת (maḥălōqeth, H4090) — division or dissension, often within a group.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →