I don’t think a single “newer” translation of the Bible uses the same word, “variance,” as does the King James Version. Not in Galatians 5:20, or anywhere else that I can find.

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, VARIANCE, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies” … and the list goes on!

The Greek noun here translated “variance” is “eris.” In fact, this is the ONLY TIME the King James translators employ this specific meaning for “eris.” Four times they use “strife.” Twice they let it mean “debate.” And two more times “contention!” (I believe they did not want the Bible to seem too repetitious.)

So then, what is “variance?” 

By  the way, the synonyms used above pretty well define “eris,” don’t they?

Thus, the King James Bible just became a pretty good commentary on the King James Bible! And the newer translations do NOT always do that, either!

“Eris” means “wrangling,” among other things. “Fussing and fighting,” we might say.

“A contentious temper,” says one commentary I consulted. (This fits well with a sin Paul thought the Galatians might still be practicing, based on Galatians 5:15. “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.”)

Wow!

Astoundingly, according to Philippians 1:15, also written by Paul … “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife (“eris”).” Probably still “sound” doctrine and “wholesome” preaching (or else Paul would have sternly condemned it on the spot) … but still with bad attitudes! 

Some ancient Greek philosophers actually taught that “eris” (“variance”) was a goddess, but a wicked one! A “demon,” they  might even admit! But then (using their twisted, darkened minds) they reasoned that “eris” was necessary, or “peace” would no longer be held in such high esteem!

How’s that for “foolishness?”

Yes, “variance” existed wholesale in the (secular) Greek/Roman world of Paul’s day. It just was a fact of life. Everyone accepted that grim reality. Just “human nature,” no doubt … impossible to change.

But, shame on us, Paul uses the noun a majority of times when describing “Church life!” Particularly of the Corinthians, in the New Testament!

See both 1 Corinthians 1:11 and 3:3 and then look at 2 Corinthians 12:20.

1 Corinthians 1:11 … “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are CONTENTIONS (“eris”) among you.”

1 Corinthians 3:3 … “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and STRIFE (“eris”), and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

2 Corinthians 12:20 … “For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be DEBATES (“eris”), envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults.” 

Wow!

What’s the solution to this rivalry, dissention, disputing, quarreling? I there is a solution? Can calm peace ever reign in a human situation?

Yes!

The fulness and fruit of God the Holy Spirit, operating freely in the lives of us Christians! He is the Solution!

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell