118. athleó

Lexicon

athleó: To contend, to strive, to compete

Original Word: ἀθλέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: athleó
Pronunciation: ath-leh'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ath-leh'-o)
Definition: To contend, to strive, to compete
Meaning: I engage, compete, in an (athletic) contest.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

strive.

From athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games -- strive.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from athlos (a contest, struggle)
Definition
to contend, wrestle
NASB Translation
competes (1), competes as an athlete (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 118: ἀθλέω

ἀθλέω, (ῶ; (1 aorist subjunctive 3 person singular ἀθλήσῃ); (ἆθλος, a contest); to engage in a contest, contend in public games (e. g. Olympian, Pythian, Isthmian), with the poniard(?), gauntlet, quoit, in wrestling, running, or any other way: 2 Timothy 2:5; (often in classic authors who also use the form ἀθλεύω). (Compare: συναθλέω).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from ἆθλον (athlon), meaning "a contest" or "prize."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀθλέω, the concept of striving or contending can be found in various Hebrew terms related to struggle or battle, such as לָחַם (lacham • Strong's Hebrew 3898), which means "to fight" or "to battle." This reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual struggle and perseverance.

Usage: The term ἀθλέω is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe the Christian life as a contest or struggle, emphasizing the discipline, effort, and perseverance required to achieve spiritual victory.

Context: The Greek verb ἀθλέω appears in the New Testament to convey the concept of striving or contending, much like an athlete in a competition. This metaphorical usage highlights the rigorous and disciplined nature of the Christian journey. The Apostle Paul, known for his use of athletic metaphors, employs this term to encourage believers to pursue their faith with the same dedication and focus as an athlete competing for a prize.

In 2 Timothy 2:5, Paul writes, "Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules." (BSB) Here, ἀθλέω is used to illustrate the importance of adhering to the principles and teachings of the faith in order to achieve the ultimate reward. The imagery of athletic competition serves to remind believers of the need for perseverance, adherence to divine guidance, and the pursuit of spiritual excellence.

The use of ἀθλέω underscores the reality that the Christian life involves challenges and opposition, requiring believers to be disciplined and steadfast. This term encapsulates the essence of spiritual warfare and the pursuit of holiness, urging Christians to remain focused on their heavenly calling and the eternal prize that awaits those who faithfully endure.

Forms and Transliterations

αθλη αθλή ἀθλῇ αθληση αθλήση ἀθλήσῃ athle athlē athlêi athlē̂i athlese athlēsē athlḗsei athlḗsēi

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 2:5 V-PSA-3S
GRK: δὲ καὶ ἀθλῇ τις οὐ
NAS: anyone competes as an athlete,
KJV: also strive for masteries, [yet] is he
INT: moreover also content [in the games] anyone not

2 Timothy 2:5 V-ASA-3S
GRK: μὴ νομίμως ἀθλήσῃ
NAS: competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize
KJV: crowned, except he strive lawfully.
INT: not lawfully he shall have contended

Strong's Greek 118
2 Occurrences

ἀθλῇ — 1 Occ.
ἀθλήσῃ — 1 Occ.