Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5937 rivalry

Viewing other people as a threat to oneself in the accomplishment of some aim, or being in active competition with others for recognition or achievement.

Examples of rivalry at a national level

Between Israel and Judah

1 Kings 15:25-31 This is typical of the conflict that existed for 80 years after the division of the kingdom.

Within Israel

1 Kings 16:21-22

Between Assyria and Judah

See also 2 Chronicles 32:13-22; Isaiah 37:10-13 Assyria claimed that behind the rivalry of the nations lay the rivalry of their gods. The LORD vindicated himself in answer to Hezekiah's prayer (see Isa 37:14-38).

Examples of rivalry at an individual level

Between Esau and Jacob

Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27:41

Between Peninnah and Hannah

1 Samuel 1:6-7

Between Saul and David

1 Samuel 18:7-9 See also 1 Samuel 20:31

Between Absalom and David

2 Samuel 15:1-13

Between Rehoboam and Jeroboam

1 Kings 12:26-27

Condemnation of rivalry at an individual level

By the Mosaic law

Leviticus 18:18

By Jesus Christ

Luke 9:46-48 pp Matthew 18:1-4 pp Mark 9:34-37 See also Matthew 20:20-24 pp Mark 10:35-41; Matthew 23:8-11

By Paul

1 Corinthians 3:3-4 See also 1 Corinthians 1:12-13

Rivalry between individuals is overcome in Christ

Galatians 3:26-28 See also Mark 10:42-45 pp Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 1:15-18

See also

5834  disagreement
7030  unity
8773  jealousy
8785  opposition