Bible Dictionary
DISPUTATION
Disputation refers to questioning, discussion, or argument rather than necessarily hostile quarrelling. Biblical usage includes discussing disputed matters and reasoning about doubts.
Definition
Disputation may mean questioning, discussion, or argument. In the biblical passages where it occurs, it does not necessarily denote the hostile quarrelling suggested by the modern word dispute. It can refer to the discussion of a question or the consideration of doubts.
Biblical Usage
In Acts 15:2, “disputation” refers to questioning concerning the disputed issue. In Romans 14:1, “doubtful disputations” refers to discussions of doubts or decisions concerning scruples. The underlying Greek expressions emphasize discussion and judgment rather than hostility.
Historical Background
Older English translations use disputation where later revisions use “questioning” or “decision of scruples,” reflecting a change in the ordinary meaning of dispute.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>dis-pu-ta'-shun: In Ac 15:2, the Revised Version (British and American) reads "questioning" for the King James Version "disputation" (Greek suzetesis). In Ro 14:1, the King James Version "doubtful disputations" becomes in the Revised Version (British and American) "decision of scruples" (Greek diakriseis dialogismon, literally, "discussions of doubts"). The Greek in neither case implies what the word "dispute" has come to mean in modern English, but rather "to discuss" or "argue."</p>