The term "contendeth" is an archaic form of the verb "contend," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It generally means to strive, struggle, or argue, often in the context of a dispute or defense of a cause. In the biblical narrative, contending can occur between individuals, nations, or even between God and humans. The concept of contending is significant in understanding the dynamics of faith, justice, and righteousness as portrayed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Usage:

1. Contending with God:
· In the book of Job, the theme of contending with God is prominent. Job, in his suffering, questions and argues with God about his circumstances. Job 9:3 states, "If one wished to contend with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand." This highlights the futility and audacity of contending with the Almighty, emphasizing God's supreme wisdom and power.

2. Contending for the Faith:
· The New Testament encourages believers to contend for their faith. Jude 1:3 exhorts, "Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints." Here, contending is portrayed as a noble and necessary effort to uphold the truth of the Gospel against false teachings and moral decay.

3. Interpersonal Contention:
· Proverbs often addresses the issue of contention among individuals. Proverbs 13:10 notes, "Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised." This suggests that contention often arises from pride and can be mitigated through humility and wise counsel.

4. Divine Contention:
· God Himself is depicted as contending with His people when they stray from His commandments. Isaiah 3:13 declares, "The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people." This portrays God as a righteous judge who contends with His people to bring them back to righteousness and justice.

5. Contention Among Nations:
· The Bible also records instances of contention between nations, often as a result of divine judgment or human sinfulness. In Genesis 26:20 , we read about the herdsmen of Gerar contending with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours!" This reflects the broader theme of conflict over resources and territory, which is a recurring issue in the biblical narrative.

Theological Implications:

The concept of contending in the Bible underscores the reality of conflict in a fallen world. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles believers face and the need for divine wisdom and strength. Contending for the faith is a call to uphold the truth of Scripture and live out one's beliefs with integrity and courage. At the same time, the Bible warns against unnecessary strife and encourages believers to seek peace and reconciliation whenever possible.

In summary, "contendeth" in the biblical context encompasses a range of interactions, from divine-human disputes to interpersonal and international conflicts. It challenges believers to engage in righteous contention for the faith while avoiding prideful and destructive disputes.

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... love. It needs, methinks, but a short sight for us to discover that, if
God contendeth with man, it must be a contention of mercy. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... This rebuke is contained in our context: "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and
said"Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct Him? ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

The Silence of Faith.
... When the morning stars sang together; and all the sons of God shouted for joy.
Shall he that contendeth with The Almighty instruct Him? ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxv the silence of.htm

Sixteenth Day for the Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Sabbath ...
... Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/sixteenth day for the power.htm

July 11 Morning
... Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/july 11 morning.htm

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
... Objection 4: Further, Job seems to have contended with God, according to Job
39:32: "Shall he that contendeth with God be so easily silenced?" And yet Job was ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether contention is a mortal.htm

Relations with Nestorius and to Nestorianism.
... Cyril on the other side against Nestorius as much contendeth that whosoever will
deny very God to have suffered death doth forsake the faith. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/iii relations with nestorius and to.htm

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
... places: a fire not blown shall Ch.26:5, 6. For I will contend consume him; it shall
go ill with with him that contendeth with thee, him that is left in his ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxi the poetical books.htm

Harvest Joy
... Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/harvest joy.htm

At Capernaum
... Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible
shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 26 at capernaum.htm

Contendeth (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Contendeth (6 Occurrences). ... (See JPS). Job 13:19 Who is
he that contendeth with me? For if I were silent now, I should expire. (DBY). ...
/c/contendeth.htm - 8k

Contending (9 Occurrences)

/c/contending.htm - 9k

Laugh (23 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or
laugh, there is no rest. (KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). ...
/l/laugh.htm - 13k

Laugheth (14 Occurrences)
... coming. (DBY). Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man,
whether he rageth or laugheth, there is no rest. (WBS). ...
/l/laugheth.htm - 9k

Laughs (9 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether
he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest. (See NAS RSV). ...
/l/laughs.htm - 8k

Reproveth (10 Occurrences)
... (See JPS ASV). Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?
he that reproveth God, let him answer it. (KJV JPS DBY WBS). ...
/r/reproveth.htm - 9k

Rageth (3 Occurrences)
... wisdom. (ASV). Proverbs 29:9 If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man,
whether he rageth or laugheth, there is no rest. (WBS). ...
/r/rageth.htm - 7k

Expire (14 Occurrences)
... I had expired, and no eye had seen me. (Root in DBY WBS YLT). Job 13:19 Who is he
that contendeth with me? For if I were silent now, I should expire. (DBY WBS). ...
/e/expire.htm - 10k

Contendest (2 Occurrences)

/c/contendest.htm - 7k

Instruct (34 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Job 40:2 Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?
he that reproveth God, let him answer it. (KJV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/i/instruct.htm - 16k

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