Lexical Summary athleó: To contend, to strive, to compete Original Word: ἀθλέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strive. From athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games -- strive. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom athlos (a contest, struggle) Definition to contend, wrestle NASB Translation competes (1), competes as an athlete (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 118: ἀθλέωἀθλέω, (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 Meaning and Background Strong’s Greek 118 pictures the strenuous, rule-governed effort of an athlete contending for a prize. The term evokes the familiar arenas of the Greco-Roman games—scenes of rigorous training, clear regulations, impartial judges, and coveted crowns. Scripture appropriates this image to portray the believer’s disciplined, wholehearted engagement in the service of Christ. Occurrences in the New Testament 2 Timothy 2:5 employs the verb twice: “Likewise, anyone who competes as an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules”. Paul places the word between the metaphors of the soldier (2 Timothy 2:3-4) and the farmer (2 Timothy 2:6), underscoring perseverance, focus, and lawful conduct in ministry. The Athletic Metaphor and Spiritual Discipline • Training – Just as competitors submit to demanding preparation, disciples submit to the Spirit’s formative work (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Hebrews 12:11-13). Historical Context of the Greek Games Olympic, Isthmian, Nemean, and Pythian festivals dominated public life across the Hellenistic world. Athletes swore oaths before Zeus, trained under strict officials (the agonothetes), and submitted to disqualification for any breach. Paul, a Roman citizen versed in urban culture, leverages this shared cultural touchpoint to communicate the seriousness of Christian vocation to Timothy, his young co-laborer in Ephesus—a city proud of its own athletic traditions. Doctrinal Insights 1. The sufficiency of grace does not negate disciplined effort; grace empowers obedience within God’s ordained parameters (Philippians 2:12-13). Practical Ministry Applications • Pastoral Training – Seminaries and mentorship should combine theological study with character formation, mirroring an athlete’s balanced regimen of knowledge and conditioning. Related Passages 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:12-14; Colossians 1:29; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 5:4. Summary Strong’s Greek 118 captures the essence of disciplined, lawful striving in the Christian life. Rooted in the cultural milieu of competitive games, the term challenges believers to cultivate rigorous obedience, submit to divine authority, and persevere for an imperishable crown. Forms and Transliterations αθλη αθλή ἀθλῇ αθληση αθλήση ἀθλήσῃ athle athlē athlêi athlē̂i athlese athlēsē athlḗsei athlḗsēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 2:5 V-PSA-3SGRK: 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 |
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