4438. pukteuó

Lexicon

pukteuó: To box, to fight with fists

Original Word: πυκτεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: pukteuó
Pronunciation: pook-tyoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (pook-teh'-o)
Definition: To box, to fight with fists
Meaning: I box, am a boxer.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

fight.

From a derivative of the same as pugme; to box (with the fist), i.e. Contend (as a boxer) at the games (figuratively) -- fight.

see GREEK pugme

HELPS Word-studies

4438 pyktéō – properly, to box ("fistfight"); (figuratively) to engage in spiritual warfare, giving all to be a victor in God's race of faith (used only in 1 Cor 9:26).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from puktés (a pugilist)
Definition
to box
NASB Translation
box (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4438: πυκτεύω

πυκτεύω; (πύκτης a pugilist (see πυγμή, at the beginning)); to be a boxer, to box (A. V. fight): 1 Corinthians 9:26. (Euripides, Xenophon, Plato, Plutarch, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from πυγμή (pygme), meaning "fist."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for πυκτεύω, as the concept of boxing or fist-fighting is more specific to the Greco-Roman cultural context. However, the broader theme of struggle and combat can be related to Hebrew terms such as לָחַם (lacham, Strong's 3898), meaning "to fight" or "to battle," which is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament to describe physical and spiritual conflicts.

Usage: The term πυκτεύω is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe spiritual or moral struggle, akin to an athlete's discipline in a physical contest.

Context: The Greek verb πυκτεύω appears in the New Testament in the context of athletic imagery, which was a familiar concept in the Greco-Roman world. The Apostle Paul, known for his use of athletic metaphors, employs this term to illustrate the Christian life as one of discipline and perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 9:26, Paul writes, "Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air." Here, the term πυκτεύω is translated as "fight," emphasizing the focused and intentional effort required in the Christian journey. Paul contrasts aimless fighting with purposeful action, encouraging believers to live with intention and discipline, much like an athlete preparing for a competition.

The metaphor of boxing or fighting with fists serves to highlight the intensity and dedication needed in the spiritual life. Just as a boxer trains rigorously to achieve victory, Christians are called to exercise self-control and determination in their spiritual walk. This imagery would have resonated with Paul's audience, who were familiar with the athletic contests of the time, such as the Isthmian Games held near Corinth.

The use of πυκτεύω underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and preparation. It serves as a reminder that the Christian life involves active engagement and struggle against spiritual forces, requiring both physical and spiritual discipline.

Forms and Transliterations

πυκτευω πυκτεύω pukteuo pukteuō pykteuo pykteuō pykteúo pykteúō

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 9:26 V-PIA-1S
GRK: ἀδήλως οὕτως πυκτεύω ὡς οὐκ
NAS: as not without aim; I box in such a way,
KJV: uncertainly; so fight I, not as
INT: uncertainly so I fight as not

Strong's Greek 4438
1 Occurrence

πυκτεύω — 1 Occ.