1 Timothy 6:12
New International Version
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

New Living Translation
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

English Standard Version
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Berean Standard Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

Berean Literal Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and also did confess the good confession before many witnesses.

King James Bible
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

New King James Version
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

New American Standard Bible
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

NASB 1995
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

NASB 1977
Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Legacy Standard Bible
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Amplified Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses.

Christian Standard Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Fight the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life that you were called to and have made a good confession about in the presence of many witnesses.

American Standard Version
Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

Contemporary English Version
Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened.

English Revised Version
Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life to which you were called and about which you made a good testimony in front of many witnesses.

Good News Translation
Run your best in the race of faith, and win eternal life for yourself; for it was to this life that God called you when you firmly professed your faith before many witnesses.

International Standard Version
Fight the good fight for the faith. Keep holding on to eternal life, to which you were called and about which you gave a good testimony in front of many witnesses.

Majority Standard Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.

NET Bible
Compete well for the faith and lay hold of that eternal life you were called for and made your good confession for in the presence of many witnesses.

New Heart English Bible
Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the everlasting life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

Webster's Bible Translation
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Weymouth New Testament
Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses.

World English Bible
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Be striving the good strife of the faith; be laying hold on the continuous life to which you also were called, and did profess the right profession before many witnesses.

Berean Literal Bible
Fight the good fight of the faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and also did confess the good confession before many witnesses.

Young's Literal Translation
be striving the good strife of the faith, be laying hold on the life age-during, to which also thou wast called, and didst profess the right profession before many witnesses.

Smith's Literal Translation
Contend earnestly the good contest of faith, take hold upon eternal life, into which thou wert also called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you have been called, and make a good profession of faith in the sight of many witnesses.

New American Bible
Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.

New Revised Standard Version
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life to which you are called, having professed a true profession before many witnesses.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And fight in the good contest of faith and seize eternal life, to which things you are called, and you have professed a good profession before many witnesses.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Fight the good fight of the faith; lay hold on eternal life, to which you have been called, and for which you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.

Godbey New Testament
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, into which you have been called, and witnessed a beautiful testimony before many witnesses.

Haweis New Testament
Strain every nerve in the noble conflict of faith, lay fast hold on eternal life, unto which also thou hast been called, and hast confessed the good confession before many witnesses.

Mace New Testament
exert yourself in the glorious cause of faith, and secure the prize of eternal life, to which you were called, when you made that excellent profession of faith before so many witnesses.

Weymouth New Testament
Exert all your strength in the honourable struggle for the faith; lay hold of the Life of the Ages, to which you were called, when you made your noble profession of faith before many witnesses.

Worrell New Testament
Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the eternal life, to which you were called, and confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

Worsley New Testament
Maintain the glorious combat of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which thou hast been called, and hast made a good profession before many witnesses.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Fight the Good Fight
11But you, O man of God, flee from these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. 13I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession in His testimony before Pontius Pilate:…

Cross References
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. / Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, / I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. / Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. / Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. ...

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

2 Timothy 2:3-5
Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. / Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; / you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Romans 6:22
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the fruit you reap leads to holiness, and the outcome is eternal life.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

2 Peter 1:10-11
Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, / and you will receive a lavish reception into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Matthew 10:32-33
Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.

John 6:27
Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”

Revelation 2:10
Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer tribulation for ten days. Be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Treasury of Scripture

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Fight.

1 Timothy 1:18
This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

Zechariah 10:5
And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

1 Corinthians 9:25,26
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible…

lay.

1 Timothy 6:19
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Psalm 63:8
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

whereunto.

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose…

Romans 9:23,24
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, …

Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

hast.

1 Timothy 6:13
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

Deuteronomy 26:3,17-19
And thou shalt go unto the priest that shall be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this day unto the LORD thy God, that I am come unto the country which the LORD sware unto our fathers for to give us…

Isaiah 44:5
One shall say, I am the LORD'S; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel.

Jump to Previous
Ages Confessed Confession Conflict Earnestly Eternal Exert Faith Fight Fighting Good Hold Honourable Lay Marked Presence Professed Profession Sight Strength Strive Struggle Wast Whereunto Witness Witnesses
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Ages Confessed Confession Conflict Earnestly Eternal Exert Faith Fight Fighting Good Hold Honourable Lay Marked Presence Professed Profession Sight Strength Strive Struggle Wast Whereunto Witness Witnesses
1 Timothy 6
1. Of the duty of servants.
3. Not to have fellowship with newfangled teachers.
6. Godliness is great gain;
10. and love of money the root of all evil.
11. What Timothy is to flee, and what to follow.
17. and whereof to admonish the rich.
20. To keep the purity of true doctrine, and to avoid godless ideas.














Fight the good fight
The phrase "Fight the good fight" is a call to spiritual warfare, using the Greek word "ἀγωνίζου" (agonizou), which implies a struggle or contest. This term is reminiscent of athletic competitions in ancient Greece, where athletes would exert themselves to the utmost to win the prize. In a Christian context, this fight is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). It is a call to perseverance, discipline, and dedication in living out one's faith amidst trials and temptations. Historically, this reflects the early Christian experience of persecution and the need for steadfastness in the face of opposition.

of the faith
"Of the faith" refers to the Christian faith, the body of beliefs and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The Greek word "πίστεως" (pisteos) denotes not just belief but a deep-seated trust and reliance on God. This faith is the foundation upon which the Christian life is built, and it is what believers are called to defend and uphold. The historical context of this phrase underscores the challenges faced by early Christians in maintaining doctrinal purity and resisting false teachings.

Take hold of
"Take hold of" is translated from the Greek word "ἐπιλαβοῦ" (epilabou), which means to seize or grasp firmly. This is an active, intentional action, suggesting that eternal life is not something passively received but actively pursued. It implies a sense of urgency and determination in living out one's salvation. Theologically, it reflects the concept of "already but not yet," where believers are called to live in the reality of eternal life now, even as they await its full realization in the future.

the eternal life
"The eternal life" is a central promise of the Christian faith, referring to the life that is both qualitatively and quantitatively different from earthly existence. The Greek term "ζωῆς αἰωνίου" (zoes aioniou) emphasizes not just unending life but a life characterized by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This life begins at the moment of faith and continues beyond physical death. In the historical context, this promise offered hope and assurance to believers facing persecution and martyrdom.

to which you were called
"To which you were called" highlights the divine initiative in salvation. The Greek word "ἐκλήθης" (ekletheis) indicates a calling or invitation from God, underscoring the belief that salvation is not based on human effort but on God's grace and purpose. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are summoned to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of being set apart for God's purposes in a hostile world.

when you made the good confession
"When you made the good confession" refers to the public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. The Greek term "ὡμολόγησας" (homologesas) means to confess or acknowledge openly. This confession is both a personal commitment and a public testimony, often associated with baptism in the early church. It signifies a break from the past and a new allegiance to Christ. Historically, this confession could lead to persecution, making it a bold and courageous act.

before many witnesses
"Before many witnesses" emphasizes the communal aspect of the Christian faith. The Greek word "μαρτύρων" (marturon) can mean both witnesses and martyrs, highlighting the role of the community in supporting and holding accountable those who profess faith. This public aspect of confession underscores the importance of the church as a body of believers who encourage and strengthen one another. Historically, this reflects the early church's practice of gathering for worship, teaching, and mutual support in the face of external pressures.

(12) Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life.--Then, again, with the old stirring metaphor of the Olympic contests for a prize (1Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:13-14)--the metaphor St. Paul loved so well, and which Timothy must have heard so often from his old master's lips as he preached and taught--he bids the "man of God," rising above the pitiful struggles for things perishable and useless, fight the noble fight of faith; bids him strive to lay hold of the real prize--life eternal. The emphasis rests here mainly on the words "the good fight" and "eternal life." These things are placed in strong contrast with "the struggle of the covetous" and its "miserable, perishable crown." "The good fight," more closely considered, is the contest and struggle which the Christian has to maintain against the world, the flesh, and the devil. It is styled the "good fight of faith," partly because the contest is waged on behalf of, for the sake of, the faith, but still more because from faith it derives its strength and draws its courage. "Eternal life" is the prize the "man of God" must ever have before his eyes. It is the crown of life which the Judge of quick and dead will give to the "faithful unto death." (See James 1:12; Revelation 2:10.)

Whereunto thou art also called.--The "calling" here refers both to the inner and outward call to the Master's work. The inner call is the persuasion in the heart that the one vocation to which the life must be dedicated was the ministry of the word; and the outward call is the summons by St. Paul, ratified by the church in the persons of the presbyters of Lystra.

And hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.--More accurately translated, and thou confessedst the good confession . . . These words simply add to the foregoing clause another ground of exhortation: "Thou wast called to eternal life, and thou madest the good confession." When--has been asked--was this good confession made? Several epochs in the life of Timothy have been suggested. Were it not for the difficulty of fixing a date for so terrible an experience in Timothy's, comparatively speaking, short life, it would appear most probable that the confession was made on the occasion of some persecution or bitter trial to which he had been exposed. On the whole, however, it appears safer to refer "the good confession" to the time of his ordination. In this case the many witnesses would refer to the presbyters and others who were present at the solemn rite.

Verse 12. - The faith for faith, A.V.; the life eternal for eternal life, A.V.; wast for art also, A.V. and T.R.; didst confess the good confession for hast professed a good profession, A.V.; in the sight of for before, A.V. Fight the good fight. This is not quite a happy rendering. Ἀγών is the "contest" at the Olympic assembly for any of the prizes, in wrestling, chariot-racing, foot-racing, music, or what not. Ἀγωνίζεσθαι τὸν ἀγῶνα is to "carry on such a contest" (comp. 2 Timothy 4:7). The comparison is different from that in 1 Timothy 1:18, Ἵνα στρατεύῃ... τὴν καλὴν στρατείαν," That thou mayest war the good warfare." The faith. There is nothing to determine absolutely whether ἡ πίστις here means faith subjectively or "the faith" objectively, nor does it much matter. The result is the same; but the subjective sense seems the most appropriate. Lay hold, etc.; as the βραβεῖον or prize of the contest (see 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25). Whereunto thou wast called. So St. Paul continually (Romans 1:1, 6, 7; Romans 8:28, 30; 1 Corinthians 1:29; Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; and numerous other passages). He seems here to drop the metaphor, as in the following clause. Didst confess the good confession. The connection of this phrase with the call to eternal life, and the allusion to one special occasion on which Timothy "had confessed the good confession" of his faith in Jesus Christ, seems to point clearly to his baptism (see Matthew 10:32; John 9:22; John 12:42; Hebrews 10:23). The phrase, "the good confession," seems to have been technically applied to the baptismal confession of Christ (compare the other Church sayings, 1 Timothy 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Timothy 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:11; Titus 3:8). In the sight of many witnesses. The whole congregation of the Church, who were witnesses of his baptism (see the rubric prefixed to the Order of "Ministration of Public Baptism" in the Book of Common Prayer).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Fight
ἀγωνίζου (agōnizou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 75: From agon; to struggle, literally, figuratively, or genitive case.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good
καλὸν (kalon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

fight
ἀγῶνα (agōna)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 73: From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith.
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

Take hold
ἐπιλαβοῦ (epilabou)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1949: To lay hold of, take hold of, seize (sometimes with beneficent, sometimes with hostile, intent).

of the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

eternal
αἰωνίου (aiōniou)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 166: From aion; perpetual.

life
ζωῆς (zōēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2222: Life, both of physical (present) and of spiritual (particularly future) existence. From zao; life.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

which
ἣν (hēn)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

you were called
ἐκλήθης (eklēthēs)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

[when you made]
ὡμολόγησας (hōmologēsas)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3670: From a compound of the base of homou and logos; to assent, i.e. Covenant, acknowledge.

the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good
καλὴν (kalēn)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

confession
ὁμολογίαν (homologian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3671: A profession, confession. From the same as homologeo; acknowledgment.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

many
πολλῶν (pollōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

witnesses.
μαρτύρων (martyrōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3144: A witness (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case); by analogy, a 'martyr'.


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NT Letters: 1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 1Ti iTi 1tim i Tm)
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