μάχη (G3163) — Greek Lexicon

μάχη

máchē

G3163 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A battle or physical fight; by extension, conflict, struggle, or dispute (including non-physical contention, such as argument or quarrel). The primary sense is that of a clash, whether military, verbal, or metaphorical, denoting serious engagement between opposing parties. In Koine and New Testament usage, often denotes quarrels, contentious disputes, or serious disagreements rather than literal warfare.

Semantic Range

battle, physical combat, fight, struggle, quarrel, dispute, controversy, contention, strife

Root / Etymology

From the verb μάχομαι ('to fight, to contend'). Derived from the root μάχ-, indicating conflict or combat.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μάχη most commonly referred to a fixed battle or military engagement (as opposed to skirmish or ongoing war, μάχη vs. πόλεμος). Over time—and especially in Koine Greek—the word's usage extended metaphorically to verbal disputes, quarrels, or contentious argument (cf. Herodotus, Xenophon). In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew terms for both literal battles and metaphoric strife, depending on context. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9; James 4:1), μάχη invariably refers to conflicts of words, arguments, or community disputes rather than armed confrontation. Most English translations render μάχη as 'strife,' 'quarrel,' 'dispute,' or 'fighting.' However, rendering as 'battle' without further context can be misleading in non-military passages. Related terms: πόλεμος (open war), στάσις (factional strife), and ἔρις (contentious quarrel).

Translation Consistency

primary "fight" 2 occurrences

‘Fight’ is the most natural, versatile English word that covers physical battle and non‑physical quarrels or disputes—matching the typical New Testament use of μάχη for clashes, strife, or contentious disputes. It is plain, common, and fits both literal and metaphorical senses.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):

"conflicts" (2x) "more necessary" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μάχομαι; a battle, i.e. (figuratively) controversy:--fighting, strive, striving.

Root Family

μάχη (machē) — battle, fight, struggle, quarrel, dispute, contention

Root μάχ- to fight, to engage in combat, to contend

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3163-03`	μάχας	machas	`N ACC F PL`	quarrels	conflicts	fights	2
`G3163-02`	μάχαι	machai	`N NOM F PL`	fightings	conflicts	conflicts	2
`G3163-01`	ἀναγκαιότερον	anagkaioteron	`ADJ.P NOM N SG`	more necessary	a conflict	more necessary	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3163-02`	2 Corinthians 7:5	μάχαι	machai	`N NOM F PL`	fightings	conflicts	conflicts
`G3163-01`	Philippians 1:24	ἀναγκαιότερον	anagkaioteron	`ADJ.P NOM N SG`	more necessary	a conflict	more necessary
`G3163-03`	2 Timothy 2:23	μάχας	machas	`N ACC F PL`	quarrels	conflicts	fights
`G3163-03`	Titus 3:9	μάχας	machas	`N ACC F PL`	strivings	conflicts	fights
`G3163-02`	James 4:1	μάχαι	machai	`N NOM F PL`	fightings	conflicts	conflicts

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