riv denotes a dispute, whether open conflict or a case brought for judgment and defense.

The term most often marks a dispute treated as a matter for judges, testimony, or judgment; it also describes open contention between persons or groups and, in several clauses, a cause presented or defended before the LORD.

1. Dispute submitted for judgment · dominant

   In Deuteronomy 25:1 the singular absolute form occurs where men approach judges and are judged; Deuteronomy 19:17 likewise places the parties before priests and judges. Exodus 23:2, Exodus 23:3, and Exodus 23:6 place the term in instructions about testimony, favor, and justice in such a dispute, while 2 Samuel 15:2 presents a man coming to the king for justice.

   Deuteronomy 25:1Deuteronomy 19:17Exodus 23:2Exodus 23:3Exodus 23:62 Samuel 15:2
2. Open contention or quarrel · common

   Genesis 13:7 says that conflict arose between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen. In Proverbs 15:18 the APB renders the clause "A man of rage stirs strife," contrasted with one who quiets it; Proverbs 17:14 compares its beginning to released water and urges withdrawal before a quarrel breaks out. Isaiah 58:4 places it alongside contention and violent striking.

   Genesis 13:7Proverbs 15:18Proverbs 17:14Proverbs 18:6Isaiah 58:4Judges 12:2
3. A cause pleaded or defended · occasional

   Construct forms occur in clauses where a person's cause is committed to or taken up by the LORD: Jeremiah 20:12 says, "to you I have committed my cause," and Jeremiah 50:34 says that the LORD will "plead their cause." Lamentations 3:58 addresses the LORD as having pleaded the cause of the speaker's soul; Micah 7:9 similarly awaits the LORD's pleading and execution of justice.

   Jeremiah 20:12Jeremiah 50:34Jeremiah 51:36Lamentations 3:58Micah 7:9Proverbs 22:23
4. The LORD's case against people · occasional

   Hosea 4:1 states that the LORD has a dispute with the inhabitants of the land and gives the stated grounds in their lack of truth, kindness, and knowledge of God. Micah 6:2 twice uses construct forms in the APB's presentation of the LORD's case against his people, followed by his contention with Israel; Jeremiah 25:31 similarly portrays a case against the nations entering judgment.

   Hosea 4:1Micah 6:2Jeremiah 25:31Isaiah 41:21

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB varies among "dispute," "strife," "case," "cause," and "quarreling" in these verses. This variation reflects the surrounding clauses rather than a fixed English equivalent for the term.