Strong's Lexicon epagónizomai: To contend earnestly, to struggle for Original Word: ἐπαγωνίζομαι Word Origin: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "over") and the verb ἀγωνίζομαι (agonizomai, meaning "to struggle" or "to contend"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to ἐπαγωνίζομαι, the concept of contending or striving can be seen in Hebrew words like לָחַם (lacham, Strong's H3898), which means "to fight" or "to battle," and יָגַע (yaga, Strong's H3021), meaning "to toil" or "to labor." Usage: The verb ἐπαγωνίζομαι is used to describe a vigorous and determined effort, often in the context of a struggle or contest. It conveys the idea of striving with intense focus and dedication, particularly in the defense or pursuit of a cause or belief. In the New Testament, it is used to encourage believers to contend earnestly for the faith, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of "agon" (from which ἀγωνίζομαι is derived) was associated with athletic contests and public competitions. These events were not only physical but also involved mental and moral challenges. The imagery of contending or struggling was familiar to early Christians, who were often called to defend their faith amidst persecution and false teachings. The use of ἐπαγωνίζομαι would resonate with the audience's understanding of the dedication and perseverance required in such contests. HELPS Word-studies 1864 epagōnízomai (from 1909 /epí, "focused on" and 73 /agṓn, "a contest, competition") – properly, to contend (literally, "struggle upon, appropriately"), i.e. with skill and commitment in opposing whatever is not of faith (God's persuasion). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and agónizomai Definition to contend with or for NASB Translation contend earnestly (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1864: ἐπαγωνίζομαιἐπαγωνίζομαι; to contend: τίνι, for a thing, Jude 1:3. (τῷ Ἀννιβα, against Hannibal, Plutarch, Fab. 23, 2; ταῖς νικαις, added a new contest to his victories, id. Cim. 13, 4; by others in different senses.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance earnestly contendFrom epi and agonizomai; to struggle for -- earnestly contend foreign see GREEK epi see GREEK agonizomai Forms and Transliterations επαγωνιζεσθαι επαγωνίζεσθαι ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι επάδοντι επαδόντων επάδων επάσαι epagonizesthai epagonízesthai epagōnizesthai epagōnízesthaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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