πολεμέω
polemeō
to fight
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "πολεμέω" (polemeō), found in the Strong's lexicon as G4170, translates to "to fight". This verb is rooted in the semantic domain of Warfare & Conflict, indicating its focus on combat, battles, or struggle. As such, it encompasses a range of meanings, from engaging in physical combat to contesting or arguing against someone or something. The limited occurrences of this word in the Bible, numbering 7, suggest a specialized usage that warrants careful consideration. Its range of usage extends from describing conflicts between people (e.g., physical battles) to spiritual warfare, as seen in the struggle between good and evil or the ongoing spiritual battles in the life of a believer. While its significance may not be immediately apparent, "πολεμέω" provides a distinct lens through which to understand human conflict, both physical and spiritual. It serves as a reminder of the reality and prevalence of conflict in human experience, highlighting the need for resilience and discernment in navigating such situations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
You lust, and don’t have. You murder and covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask.
Revelation 2:16Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.
Revelation 12:7There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
Revelation 12:7There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.
Revelation 13:4They worshiped the dragon, because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”
Revelation 17:14These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called chosen and faithful.”
Revelation 19:11I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness he judges and makes war.