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Discord

theological_term theological_term standard

Discord is sinful strife, dissension, or contentious division that disrupts peace and fellowship.

At a Glance

Discord refers to relational conflict marked by hostility, rivalry, dissension, or divisive contention. Scripture condemns such behavior when it springs from pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, or other works of the flesh.

Key Points

Description

Discord is the state of relational conflict, dissension, or strife that damages unity and peace within human relationships and especially within the community of God’s people. Scripture consistently warns against stirring up such conflict and places contentious division alongside other fleshly sins that fracture fellowship. At the same time, the Bible does not teach that all disagreement is itself sinful, since truth sometimes requires correction, rebuke, and principled separation from error. The safest conclusion is that discord refers not to every difference of conviction, but to sinful contention and divisiveness that oppose the peace, love, and mutual edification God calls His people to pursue.

Biblical Context

The Bible repeatedly contrasts discord with peace. Proverbs lists sins that God hates, including one who sows discord among brothers. The New Testament likewise warns against divisive behavior in the church and associates it with the flesh rather than the Spirit. The goal of Christian fellowship is unity in truth, humility, and love.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, family, clan, and covenant bonds were central to social stability, so discord carried serious communal consequences. In the early church, unity was especially important because believers from different backgrounds were called into one body in Christ. Division threatened witness, worship, and discipleship.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Old Testament wisdom literature treats strife and contention as morally destructive and socially unwise. Jewish moral teaching commonly valued peace within the covenant community while recognizing that righteous rebuke and covenant faithfulness sometimes required confrontation. Scripture’s concern is not silence at all costs, but the avoidance of sinful divisiveness.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Related biblical ideas include Hebrew terms for strife, contention, and quarrels, and Greek terms such as eris (strife), dichostasia (division), and schisma (faction or split). These terms overlap but are not identical, so context determines whether a passage emphasizes quarrels, factions, or divisive agitation.

Theological Significance

Discord is morally significant because it opposes God’s character and the unity He desires for His people. It belongs with works of the flesh, not the fruit of the Spirit. The church is therefore called to reject manipulative, prideful, or factional behavior and to pursue peace without compromising truth.

Philosophical Explanation

Discord is not merely difference; it is difference turned hostile. Philosophically, it describes disordered relational goods: the pursuit of self over truth, pride over humility, and victory over mutual edification. Christian ethics therefore distinguishes between principled disagreement and sinful factionalism.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse discord with every conflict or with necessary doctrinal correction. Scripture sometimes requires rebuke, boundary-setting, or separation from false teaching. The term should be applied carefully so that peacemaking does not become tolerance of error or suppression of truth.

Major Views

Most interpreters agree that Scripture condemns sinful strife and division, though believers differ on how to distinguish faithful contending for truth from unhelpful controversy. The key biblical test is whether speech and behavior promote humility, peace, holiness, and edification.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry concerns sinful contention, not legitimate disagreement or church discipline carried out in a biblical manner. It should not be used to silence faithful correction, doctrinal clarity, or necessary warnings against error. Unity in Scripture is always joined to truth and holiness.

Practical Significance

Christians should guard their speech, motives, and conflict habits. Discord is often fueled by pride, envy, gossip, and impatience. Believers are called to seek peace, reconcile quickly, speak truth in love, and avoid faction-building.

Related Entries

See Also

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