ἐμάχοντο
máchomai
were disputing
To engage in battle or combat, either in physical warfare or metaphorically in verbal contest. The word typically denotes active conflict, struggle, or contention—whether armed or in the sense of verbal disputes or debates. In non-literal contexts, it is used for persistent argument, rivalry, or opposition.
John 6:52 · Word #1
Lexicon G3164
| Lemma | μάχομαι |
| Transliteration | máchomai |
| Strong's | G3164 |
| Definition | To engage in battle or combat, either in physical warfare or metaphorically in verbal contest. The word typically denotes active conflict, struggle, or contention—whether armed or in the sense of verbal disputes or debates. In non-literal contexts, it is used for persistent argument, rivalry, or opposition. |
Morphology V IMPF MID IND 3P PL
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | V — Verb — An action or state of being |
| Tense | IMPF — Imperfect — Continuous or repeated past action |
| Voice | MID — Middle — The subject acts on itself or in its own interest |
| Mood | IND — Indicative — States a fact or reality |
| Person | 3P — 3rd person — The one spoken about ("he/she/it/they") |
| Number | PL — Plural — More than one |
Common Translation
| Phrase | were disputing |
| Literal | were-fighting |
Lexical Info
| Lemma | μάχομαι |
| Strong's | G3164 |
SIBI-P1 Translation G3164-01
they were fighting
| Morphological Notes | Verb; imperfect tense, middle voice, indicative mood, 3rd person plural — ongoing past action performed by them with participatory involvement. |
| Rendering Rationale | The imperfect indicative denotes ongoing past action, rendered as "were fighting." The middle voice (deponent in form) reflects engaged participation in the conflict, consistent with the root meaning of active combat or contention. |
View full lexicon entry for G3164 →
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