Definition: The term "pugnacious" refers to a person who is inclined to quarrel or fight readily; combative in nature. In a biblical context, it describes an attitude or behavior that is contrary to the peaceful and gentle spirit encouraged by Scripture.

Biblical Context: The Bible consistently advocates for peace, gentleness, and self-control, contrasting these virtues with pugnacious behavior. The New Testament, in particular, provides guidance on the character expected of believers, especially those in leadership positions within the church.

Scriptural References:

1. 1 Timothy 3:3 : "not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money." This verse outlines the qualifications for overseers and deacons, emphasizing that they must not be violent or pugnacious. Instead, they are to be gentle and peaceable, reflecting the character of Christ.

2. Titus 1:7 : "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." Here, the apostle Paul instructs Titus on the qualities of a church leader, again highlighting the importance of not being violent or pugnacious.

3. Proverbs 15:18 : "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms a dispute." This proverb contrasts the pugnacious individual, who incites conflict, with the one who exercises patience and brings peace.

4. James 1:19-20 : "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." James advises believers to avoid pugnacious behavior by being slow to anger, as human anger does not produce the righteousness God seeks.

Theological Implications: Pugnacity is seen as a manifestation of the flesh, which believers are called to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—qualities that stand in stark contrast to a pugnacious disposition.

Practical Application: Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of peace and gentleness in their interactions with others. This involves actively seeking reconciliation, being patient in the face of provocation, and prioritizing the unity of the body of Christ. Leaders, in particular, are called to model these virtues, setting an example for the congregation and fostering an environment where peace and love prevail.

Historical and Cultural Insights: In the Greco-Roman world, where the early church was established, pugnacity and aggression were often seen as signs of strength and power. However, the Christian message subverted these cultural norms by promoting humility, meekness, and a servant-hearted approach to leadership and community life. This counter-cultural stance served as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.(a.) Inclined to fighting; quarrelsome.4131. plektes -- a striker
... Word Origin from plesso Definition a striker NASB Word Usage pugnacious (2). bully,
striker. From plesso; a smiter, ie Pugnacious (quarrelsome) -- striker. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4131.htm - 6k

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... Abimelech's reason for 'extraditing' Isaac might have provoked a more pugnacious
person to stay and defy the Philistines to expel him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

An Abortive Symbol against Syncretism, 1655.
... since 1614), which had previously protested against the ubiquity dogma of the Formula
of Concord, was disgusted with the exclusive and pugnacious orthodoxy of ...
/.../ 49 an abortive symbol.htm

How Powerfully the Evil Spirits Incite Men to Wicked Actions, by ...
... were veritably fighting with one another, the civil wars of men are sufficiently
justified; yet, by the way, let it be observed that such pugnacious gods must ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 25 how powerfully the evil.htm

Of the Parting of Lot and Abraham, which they Agreed to Without ...
... For they had grown rich, and began to have many herdmen of cattle, and when these
strove together, they avoided in this way the pugnacious discord of their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of the parting of.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... at his first outset in life fancies he can enlighten every company, and bear down
all opposition: but he is cured of this quixotic and pugnacious spirit, as he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

History of Public Speaking
... A formidable antagonist, pugnacious by temperament, uniformly dignified, a profound
scholar,"his is "a name recorded on the brightest page of American history ...
/.../kleiser/successful methods of public speaking/history of public speaking.htm

Acts xxii. 17-20
... Again, if thou hast not got the better of anger, thou art become forward (and
pugnacious); but not having got the better of this, neither canst thou get the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlviii acts xxii 17-20.htm

Soldier Priests
... 'The servant of the Lord must not strive.' We must not be animated by mere pugnacious
desire to advance our principles, nor let the heat of human eagerness ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/soldier priests.htm

Declension from First Love
... Look at the Spurgeonites, they are just as cold and careless as others; they used
to be called the most pugnacious people in the world, for they were always ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/declension from first love.htm

The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... But above all, when I do but open the Bible I can seldom meet with a leaf that
is not against them.' This is one of the most pugnacious leaves. ...
/.../moffat/the general epistles james peter and judas/the second epistle of st.htm

Pugnacious (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Inclined to fighting; quarrelsome.
Multi-Version Concordance Pugnacious (2 Occurrences). 1 Timothy ...
/p/pugnacious.htm - 7k

Puffs (3 Occurrences)

/p/puffs.htm - 7k

Puhite (1 Occurrence)

/p/puhite.htm - 6k

Hornet (3 Occurrences)
... (n.) A large, strong wasp. The European species (Vespa crabro) is of a dark brown
and yellow color. It is very pugnacious, and its sting is very severe. ...
/h/hornet.htm - 11k

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