The variance meaning in the Bible is connected with disagreement, conflict, division, or a lack of harmony between people. The word appears in older English Bible translations, especially the King James Version, where “variance” describes situations in which people are in conflict with one another. It can refer to quarrels, hostility, or broken relationships.
The variance meaning in the Bible is especially important when studying the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:20. In this context, variance is listed among attitudes and behaviors that create division rather than peace. Scripture encourages believers to pursue love, forgiveness, unity, and reconciliation instead of allowing disagreements to grow into lasting hostility.
Quick Answer
Variance in the Bible means disagreement, conflict, strife, or division between people. In Galatians 5:20, it describes behavior that creates conflict and damages unity.
What Does Variance Mean in the Bible?
In older English, variance could mean a state of disagreement or conflict.
Today, we might use words such as:
- Disagreement
- Conflict
- Strife
- Quarreling
- Division
- Hostility
- Discord
The exact meaning depends on the biblical passage and translation.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Variance | Conflict or disagreement |
| Strife | Ongoing conflict or rivalry |
| Discord | Lack of harmony |
| Division | Separation or disagreement |
| Reconciliation | Restoring peace and relationship |
Variance in Galatians 5:20
One of the most important biblical uses of variance appears in Galatians 5:20 in the King James Version.
Paul lists variance among the works of the flesh.
The surrounding list includes behaviors such as hatred, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies.
The larger message is that believers should not allow sinful attitudes to control their relationships.
Instead, Paul contrasts these behaviors with the fruit of the Spirit, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.
Variance Meaning in the Bible
When people search for the variance meaning in the Bible, they are often trying to understand why the word appears in a list of sinful behaviors.
The answer is that biblical variance involves more than simply having a different opinion.
People naturally disagree about many things.
Biblical variance refers more to hostile disagreement, quarrels, or conflict that damages relationships and unity.
Having a different opinion is not automatically sinful.
The problem comes when disagreement turns into hatred, hostility, pride, or persistent division.
Spiritual Meaning of Variance
The spiritual meaning of variance can be understood as division caused by unhealthy conflict.
It can remind Christians of the importance of:
Unity
Believers are encouraged to live together in peace and unity.
Humility
Pride can make disagreements much worse. Humility helps people listen and seek understanding.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness can prevent conflict from becoming permanent bitterness.
Self-Control
A person who controls angry words and reactions is less likely to create unnecessary conflict.
Love
Christian love encourages believers to seek what is good for others, even during disagreements.
Variance vs Normal Disagreement
| Normal Disagreement | Biblical Variance |
|---|---|
| People have different opinions | Conflict becomes hostile |
| Can be handled respectfully | Can produce division |
| Allows listening | Often involves stubbornness |
| Can lead to understanding | Can damage relationships |
| Does not require hatred | May involve hostility or strife |
The Bible does not teach that everyone must have identical opinions.
Instead, it teaches believers how to handle differences in a loving and peaceful way.
What Causes Variance?
Several attitudes can contribute to conflict.
Pride
Pride can make people unwilling to admit mistakes or listen to others.
Anger
Uncontrolled anger can turn a small disagreement into a serious conflict.
Jealousy
Jealousy can create resentment and competition.
Selfishness
When people focus only on their own interests, relationships can suffer.
Unforgiveness
Holding onto past offenses can allow conflict to continue.
Harsh Words
Careless or angry words can deepen disagreements.
Variance and the Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5 provides an important contrast.
Paul describes the works of the flesh and then presents the fruit of the Spirit.
The fruit of the Spirit includes:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
These qualities help believers respond to conflict differently.
Instead of responding to anger with more anger, Christians are called to practice patience, gentleness, and self-control.
How Should Christians Handle Variance?
The Bible gives believers practical principles for dealing with conflict.
Speak Truthfully
Honest communication can prevent misunderstandings from growing.
Listen Carefully
Listening can help people understand the real cause of a disagreement.
Avoid Harsh Words
Proverbs teaches that a gentle answer can turn away anger.
Forgive
Forgiveness can break the cycle of resentment.
Seek Peace
Romans 12:18 encourages believers, as far as it depends on them, to live peaceably with others.
Practice Humility
Being willing to admit mistakes can help restore relationships.
Is Variance Always Sinful?
Not every disagreement is sinful.
Jesus and the apostles sometimes confronted false teaching and wrongdoing.
The issue is how disagreement is expressed and why it happens.
Standing firmly for biblical truth is different from creating unnecessary conflict because of pride, anger, or selfishness.
A Christian can disagree with someone while still showing:
- Respect
- Love
- Patience
- Self-control
- Truthfulness
Variance vs Strife
| Variance | Strife |
|---|---|
| Disagreement or conflict | Ongoing struggle or rivalry |
| Can describe division | Often suggests repeated conflict |
| Focuses on lack of agreement | Can involve competition and hostility |
| Appears in older Bible translations | Common biblical concept |
The words overlap, and both can describe relationships damaged by unhealthy conflict.
Why Do People Search “Variance Meaning in the Bible”?
People often encounter the word while reading an older Bible translation.
They may wonder:
- What does variance mean?
- Is variance the same as disagreement?
- Why is variance called a work of the flesh?
- How can Christians avoid variance?
- What does Galatians 5:20 teach?
Understanding older biblical vocabulary can make passages much easier to understand.
Common Misconceptions About Variance
Myth: Variance means having any different opinion.
Truth: The biblical usage generally points toward hostile disagreement, conflict, or division rather than every ordinary difference of opinion.
Myth: Christians can never disagree.
Truth: Christians can have different opinions. Scripture teaches them to handle differences with love, wisdom, and humility.
Myth: Avoiding variance means ignoring wrongdoing.
Truth: Christians can confront wrongdoing or false teaching while still responding with truth and love.
Myth: Every argument is equally serious.
Truth: Scripture distinguishes between ordinary disagreements and destructive attitudes such as hatred, strife, and division.
How to Avoid Variance in Daily Life
Christians can reduce unnecessary conflict by:
- Thinking before speaking.
- Listening before responding.
- Avoiding gossip.
- Practicing forgiveness.
- Controlling anger.
- Being willing to apologize.
- Choosing peaceful words.
- Seeking wise counsel.
- Putting love above personal pride.
Peace does not mean avoiding every difficult conversation. It means handling difficult conversations in a godly way.
Final Thought
The variance meaning in the Bible refers to conflict, disagreement, strife, or division, particularly when these attitudes damage relationships and Christian unity. In Galatians 5:20, variance is listed among the works of the flesh, showing that believers should not allow hostility and selfish conflict to control their lives. At the same time, the Bible does not teach that every difference of opinion is sinful. Christians can disagree while remaining respectful, loving, and peaceful. The spiritual lesson of variance is therefore a call toward humility, forgiveness, patience, and self-control. When conflict arises, believers are encouraged to seek peace without abandoning truth. Biblical faith does not require avoiding every disagreement; it requires learning how to handle disagreement in a way that honors God and protects relationships.
FAQs
What does variance mean in the Bible?
Variance means disagreement, conflict, strife, or division. In biblical contexts, it often describes destructive conflict between people.
Where is variance mentioned in the Bible?
Variance is especially known from Galatians 5:20 in the King James Version, where it appears among the works of the flesh.
Is variance the same as disagreement?
They can be related, but biblical variance generally carries the stronger idea of conflict, hostility, or division.
Is having a different opinion a sin?
No. People can have different opinions. The problem is allowing disagreement to become hatred, pride, hostility, or destructive division.
What is the spiritual meaning of variance?
Spiritually, variance can represent unhealthy conflict and division that work against love, peace, unity, and Christian fellowship.
How can Christians avoid variance?
They can practice humility, patience, forgiveness, careful speech, self-control, listening, and a sincere desire for peace.
What is the opposite of variance in the Bible?
Peace, unity, love, reconciliation, patience, and harmony provide strong biblical contrasts to destructive variance.
