Chode Meaning in the Bible: Definition & Verse Examples
“Chode” in the Bible means “quarreled,” “argued,” or “scolded.” It is the old past tense of the word “chide.” When the Bible says someone “chode” with another person, it means they argued with them angrily or complained loudly against them.
The word only appears twice in the King James Version (KJV): once when Jacob argues with Laban, and once when the Israelites argue with Moses in the desert. Let’s look at both stories, the meaning of the word, and what we can learn from it.
What Does “Chode” Mean in Simple Words?
Chode simply means “had an angry argument with.” It can include:
- Quarreling – a heated back-and-forth argument
- Scolding – speaking sharply to someone about what they did wrong
- Complaining – loudly finding fault with someone
- Accusing – blaming someone for a problem
So if you read “they chode with him,” you can think, “they argued with him angrily.”
Is “Chode” the Past Tense of “Chide”?
Yes. “Chode” is an old past tense of “chide.”
| Form | Example |
| Chide (present) | “Why chide ye with me?” (Exodus 17:2) |
| Chode (old past tense) | “Jacob… chode with Laban” (Genesis 31:36) |
| Chided (modern past tense) | “She chided him for being late.” |
Today, most people say “chided” instead of “chode.” Also, the modern word “chide” is usually gentler. It often means a light scolding. In the Bible, though, “chode” points to a strong, angry quarrel.
Why Do People Search for “Chode” Meaning?
Many people come across “chode” while reading the KJV and have no idea what it means, because it is no longer used in normal English. Others notice that the word has an unrelated slang meaning today and wonder if the Bible means something rude.
It does not. In the Bible, “chode” has nothing to do with modern slang. It simply means to argue or quarrel. The KJV translators used normal English words from the 1600s, and this was a common word back then.
What Is the Hebrew Word Behind “Chode”?
The Hebrew word translated “chode” is “riv” (also spelled “rib”). It means:
- To strive or struggle
- To argue or quarrel
- To bring a complaint or legal case against someone
This word is often used for courtroom-style arguments, where one side lays out its complaint against the other. That fits both Bible stories well, because in each one, someone is listing their complaints and blaming the other person.
Where Is “Chode” Used in the Bible?
“Chode” appears two times in the KJV.
1. Genesis 31:36 – Jacob Argues With Laban
“And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?”
What is happening here?
Jacob had worked for his uncle Laban for 20 years. During that time, Laban changed his wages many times and treated him unfairly. Finally, Jacob left with his wives, children, and flocks.
Laban chased after Jacob and accused him of stealing his household gods. Laban searched Jacob’s tents but found nothing. (Jacob did not know that his wife Rachel had taken them and hidden them.)
After the search came up empty, Jacob got angry. He “chode with Laban,” which means he argued with him and let out years of frustration. In the next verses, Jacob lists how hard he worked:
- He took care of Laban’s flocks for 20 years.
- He paid for any lost animals himself.
- He suffered heat by day and cold by night.
- Laban changed his wages ten times (Genesis 31:41).
Modern wording: The NIV says Jacob “was angry and took Laban to task.” This means Jacob firmly told Laban what he had done wrong.
2. Numbers 20:3 – The Israelites Argue With Moses
“And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!”
What is happening here?
The Israelites were in the desert of Zin, and there was no water. Instead of trusting God, the people turned against Moses and Aaron. They “chode” with Moses, which means they quarreled with him and complained bitterly.
They said things like:
- They wished they had died earlier.
- They asked why Moses brought them into the desert to die.
- They complained that the place had no grain, figs, vines, pomegranates, or water.
Modern wording: The NIV says, “They quarreled with Moses.”
What Is the Connection Between “Chode” and Meribah?
After the people quarreled in Numbers 20, God told Moses to speak to a rock so water would come out. But Moses was angry, and he struck the rock twice instead. Water still came out, but God was not pleased with how Moses handled it. Because of this, Moses was not allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land.
The place was named Meribah, which means “quarreling” or “strife.” It comes from the same Hebrew root as the word translated “chode.”
“This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.” (Numbers 20:13, KJV)
This shows something important. When the people argued with Moses, they were really arguing with God. Their complaint was a sign that they did not trust Him.
Where Else Does the Bible Use “Chide”?
The present-tense form “chide” also appears in the KJV. These verses help explain the meaning of “chode”:
- Exodus 17:2 – “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink.” (This is an earlier story, also about a lack of water.)
- Judges 8:1 – The men of Ephraim “did chide with him sharply,” speaking about Gideon, because he did not call them to battle.
- Psalm 103:9 – “He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.”
That last verse is a comfort. It tells us God does not stay angry with His people forever. He corrects us, but His mercy is greater.
How Do Modern Bibles Translate “Chode”?
Here is how a few popular versions word these two verses:
| Verse | KJV | Modern Meaning |
| Genesis 31:36 | “chode with Laban” | Argued with, scolded, took to task |
| Numbers 20:3 | “chode with Moses” | Quarreled with, argued with, complained against |
The meaning is the same in each version. The newer Bibles simply use words that people understand today.
What Is the Difference Between the Two “Chode” Stories?
Both stories use the same word, but the situations are very different:
| Jacob and Laban | Israel and Moses | |
| Who argued? | Jacob | The Israelites |
| Why? | He had been treated unfairly for years | They had no water and did not trust God |
| Was the anger fair? | Jacob had real reasons to be upset | The people were really complaining against God |
| How did it end? | Jacob and Laban made a peace agreement | God gave water, but Moses lost his chance to enter Canaan |
This shows that arguing is not always the same. Sometimes people speak up because they were truly wronged. Other times, people complain because they are not trusting God.
How Did Jacob’s Argument End?
The story has a peaceful ending. After the argument, Jacob and Laban made a covenant, or agreement. They set up a pile of stones as a witness. Laban said:
“The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.” (Genesis 31:49)
This pile of stones was called Mizpah. Both men promised not to harm each other. So even a heated quarrel can lead to peace when both sides are willing to settle it.
What Can We Learn From the Word “Chode”?
These two short stories teach some helpful lessons:
- Complaining shows what is in our hearts. The Israelites’ quarrel showed that they did not trust God, even after He had cared for them many times.
- Anger can lead to mistakes. Moses’ anger at the people caused him to disobey God at Meribah.
- It is okay to speak up about real wrongs. Jacob had been treated badly for years, and he spoke the truth.
- Peace is possible after conflict. Jacob and Laban’s argument ended with a promise of peace.
- God is patient. As Psalm 103:9 says, He will not always chide.
The Bible also gives clear advice about arguments. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” And Philippians 2:14 tells believers to “do all things without murmurings and disputings.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chode mean in the KJV?
In the KJV, chode means quarreled, argued, or scolded. It is the old past tense of “chide.”
How many times is chode in the Bible?
Chode appears two times in the KJV: Genesis 31:36 and Numbers 20:3.
Who chode with Laban?
Jacob chode with Laban. He argued with him after Laban chased him and searched his tents for stolen household gods.
Who chode with Moses?
The Israelites chode with Moses in the desert of Zin because there was no water to drink.
What is the modern word for chode?
The modern word is “chided.” But in the Bible, it is best understood as “quarreled” or “argued.”
Does chode have a bad meaning in the Bible?
No. In the Bible, chode only means to argue or quarrel. It is not related to any modern slang.
Conclusion
“Chode” is an old word that means quarreled, argued, or scolded. It is the past tense of “chide” and appears only twice in the KJV. Jacob chode with Laban after years of unfair treatment, and the Israelites chode with Moses when they had no water. One story ended with peace, and the other became a lesson about trusting God. Together, they remind us to watch our words, handle anger wisely, and trust God even when life is hard.
