In the context of the Bible, negotiation is the process of dialogue and compromise between parties to reach a mutual agreement or understanding. While the term "negotiate" itself is not explicitly used in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is evident in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture. Negotiation often involves wisdom, discernment, and a spirit of cooperation, reflecting the broader biblical principles of peace, justice, and reconciliation.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham and God (Genesis 18:22-33): One of the earliest examples of negotiation in the Bible is Abraham's intercession for Sodom. Abraham approaches God with humility and respect, negotiating for the city's salvation if righteous individuals can be found. This passage illustrates the importance of boldness and persistence in negotiation, as well as the value of advocating for justice and mercy.

2. Jacob and Esau (Genesis 32-33): After years of estrangement, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau, fearing retribution for past wrongs. Jacob sends gifts ahead as a peace offering, demonstrating a strategic approach to reconciliation. The eventual peaceful meeting between the brothers highlights the role of negotiation in restoring broken relationships.

3. Moses and Pharaoh (Exodus 5-12): Moses repeatedly negotiates with Pharaoh for the release of the Israelites from slavery. Despite Pharaoh's initial refusals, Moses persists, demonstrating the necessity of perseverance and divine guidance in negotiations. This narrative underscores the importance of aligning one's objectives with God's will.

New Testament Principles

1. Jesus and the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15-22): Jesus often engaged in dialogue with religious leaders, skillfully navigating their attempts to trap Him with questions. In the account of paying taxes to Caesar, Jesus negotiates the tension between civic duty and spiritual allegiance, teaching the principle of rendering to each their due.

2. Paul and the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15): The early church faced a significant dispute regarding Gentile converts and the Mosaic Law. Paul and other leaders negotiated a resolution at the Jerusalem Council, balancing doctrinal integrity with cultural sensitivity. This event highlights the role of negotiation in maintaining unity within the body of Christ.

3. Paul's Appeal to Philemon (Philemon 1:8-21): In his letter to Philemon, Paul negotiates for the freedom of Onesimus, a runaway slave. Paul appeals to Philemon's sense of Christian love and brotherhood, demonstrating the power of negotiation rooted in mutual respect and shared faith.

Biblical Wisdom on Negotiation

The Bible offers several principles that can guide believers in negotiation:

· Seek Wisdom: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Wisdom is essential for discerning the right approach and timing in negotiations.

· Pursue Peace: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Negotiation should aim for peaceful resolutions that reflect God's character.

· Practice Humility: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3). Humility fosters an environment where genuine dialogue and compromise can occur.

· Maintain Integrity: "Better a poor man who walks with integrity than a rich man whose ways are perverse" (Proverbs 28:6). Integrity ensures that negotiations are conducted honestly and ethically.

In summary, negotiation in the biblical context involves a balance of wisdom, humility, and a commitment to peace and justice. Through various narratives and teachings, Scripture provides guidance for engaging in negotiations that honor God and promote harmony among individuals and communities.1. (v. i.) To transact business; to carry on trade.

2. (v. i.) To treat with another respecting purchase and sale or some business affair; to bargain or trade; as, to negotiate with a man for the purchase of goods or a farm.

3. (v. i.) To hold intercourse respecting a treaty, league, or convention; to treat with, respecting peace or commerce; to conduct communications or conferences.

4. (v. i.) To intrigue; to scheme.

5. (v. t.) To carry on negotiations concerning; to procure or arrange for by negotiation; as, to negotiate peace, or an exchange.

6. (v. t.) To transfer for a valuable consideration under rules of commercial law; to sell; to pass.

Efforts at Unity and Peace.
... in 1824, some members of the North Carolina Synod made proposals for a union of
the two synods, Tennessee forthwith appointed a committee to negotiate with them ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/efforts at unity and peace.htm

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued): 1563-1564
... {226c} Meanwhile Lethington was in England to negotiate for peace in France; if ...
{226d} Lethington's serious business was to negotiate a marriage for the Queen. ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xvi knox and queen.htm

How Constantine Sent a Messenger and a Letter Concerning Peace.
... of his faith, [3211] and who had before this time distinguished himself by the boldness
of his religious profession, and sent him to negotiate peace [3212 ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter lxiii how constantine sent a.htm

Of Regulus, in whom we have an Example of the Voluntary Endurance ...
... anxious to exchange their prisoners with the Romans than to keep them, sent Regulus
as a special envoy with their own embassadors to negotiate this exchange ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 15 of regulus in whom.htm

Introduction
... Thus Christ's ministers, having a commission delegated to them to negotiate for
souls, should be glad when there is a day of audience, that they may impart the ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/1 introduction.htm

The Protestant Episcopal Proposals. --F
... and reciprocity.' In reply to further action of the Episcopal commission, the General
Assembly of 1896 declared it 'impossible for it to negotiate with another ...
/.../1 the protestant episcopal proposals f.htm

Attitude as to Church-Fellowship.
... to the doctrine of the Augsburg Confession." (1824, 11; 1825, 6.) At the sixth
convention, 1825, the committee previously appointed to negotiate with the North ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/attitude as to church-fellowship.htm

The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.
... And then he was appointed one of these commissioners, who were sent up to London
to negotiate with the English parliament, for sending over some relief from ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir archibald.htm

Footnotes
... Bethencourt "passed Berwick on April 13" (For. Cal. Eliz., 1558-59, 214) to negotiate
the Scottish part in the peace, signed at Upsettlington (May 31). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lang/john knox and the reformation/footnotes.htm

The Goths
... Secretly, however, he sent to negotiate with Tribigild. Experience had
given him an immense belief in the omnipotence of bribes. ...
/.../gathering clouds a tale of the days of st chrysostom/chapter xxv the goths.htm

Negotiate (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vi) To treat with another respecting purchase and sale or some business affair;
to bargain or trade; as, to negotiate with a man for the purchase of goods ...
/n/negotiate.htm - 7k

Treat (53 Occurrences)
... regard; as, to treat the whole company. 4. (vt) To negotiate; to settle; to
make terms for. 5. (vt) To care for medicinally or surgically ...
/t/treat.htm - 23k

Negotiator (3 Occurrences)

/n/negotiator.htm - 7k

Negligently (1 Occurrence)

/n/negligently.htm - 6k

Envoy (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One dispatched upon an errand or mission; a messenger; esp., a person deputed
by a sovereign or a government to negotiate a treaty, or transact other ...
/e/envoy.htm - 8k

Buy (71 Occurrences)
... pleasure with pain. 3. (vi) To negotiate or treat about a purchase.
Multi-Version Concordance Buy (71 Occurrences). Matthew 14:15 ...
/b/buy.htm - 29k

Accos
... ak'-os (Hakchos): The grandfather of Eupolemus, whom Judas Maccabeus sent with others
to Rome in 161 BC, to negotiate a "league of amity and confederacy" (1 ...
/a/accos.htm - 6k

Maccabaeus
... The attempt of Judas to negotiate an alliance with the Romans, who had now serious
interests in these regions, caused much dissatisfaction among his followers ...
/m/maccabaeus.htm - 17k

Maccabees
... The attempt of Judas to negotiate an alliance with the Romans, who had now serious
interests in these regions, caused much dissatisfaction among his followers ...
/m/maccabees.htm - 52k

What is spiritual manipulation? | GotQuestions.org

How do I survive trying to raise a teenager? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between a covenant and a contract? | GotQuestions.org

Negotiate: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus