Lexical Summary spoudazó: To be diligent, to make every effort, to hasten, to be eager. Original Word: σπουδάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be eager, hastenFrom spoude; to use speed, i.e. To make effort, be prompt or earnest -- do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study. see GREEK spoude HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4704 spoudázō – properly, be swift (go fast, be speedy); (figuratively) to move speedily by showing full diligence (fully applying oneself); acting fervently (speedy commitment) to accomplish all that God assigns through faith ("His inbirthed persuasion"). Accordingly, 4704 (spoudázō) and faith (4102 /pístis) are directly linked (see Eph 4:3-5; 2 Tim 4:7-9). See 4710 (spoudē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom spoudé Definition to make haste, hence to give diligence NASB Translation diligent (6), eager (2), make every effort (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4704: σπουδάζωσπουδάζω; future σπουδάσω (a later form for the early σπουδάσομαι, cf. Krüger, § 40, under the word, vol. i, p. 190; Buttmann, 53 (46); (Winers Grammar, 89 (85); Veitch, under the word)); 1 aorist ἐσπούδασα; (σπουδή, which see); from Sophocles and Aristophanes down; a. to hasten, make haste: followed by an infinitive (cf. σπεύδω, 1), 2 Timothy 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12 (others refer these examples to b.; but cf. Holtzmann's Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:15). b. to exert oneself, endeavor, give difference: followed by an infinitive, Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Peter 1:10; 2 Peter 3:14; followed by an accusative with an infinitive 2 Peter 1:15. Strong’s Greek 4704 occurs eleven times, always conveying an active, forward-leaning diligence. Whether the context is personal holiness, doctrinal fidelity, benevolence, or travel plans, the verb calls believers to decisive, prompt, and wholehearted engagement in God-given responsibilities. Occurrences: Galatians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:17; 2 Peter 1:10, 1:15, 3:14; Hebrews 4:11; 2 Timothy 2:15, 4:9, 4:21; Titus 3:12; Ephesians 4:3. Care for the Poor and Vulnerable Galatians 2:10 anchors the term in the apostolic commitment to social compassion: “They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Earnest concern for the needy is not an optional add-on but an intrinsic expression of gospel faithfulness, linking orthodoxy with orthopraxy. Eager Fellowship and Missionary Partnership In 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Paul describes his “great longing” to reunite with the Thessalonian believers. Likewise, the travel imperatives of 2 Timothy 4:9, 4:21 and Titus 3:12 reveal a ministry culture of urgency—leaders crossing land and sea in order to encourage, instruct, and strengthen the churches. Gospel ministry is portrayed as personally invested and time-sensitive. Preserving Unity in the Body Ephesians 4:3 urges believers “with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The imperative underscores that unity is Spirit-wrought but believer-maintained; it requires intentional effort against the centrifugal forces of pride, ethnicity, preference, and tradition (compare Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 2:1-4). Personal Formation and Doctrinal Fidelity 2 Timothy 2:15 elevates disciplined study: “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.” Sound teaching is safeguarded by painstaking exegesis and integrity of life. The same vigor appears in 2 Peter 1:10: “be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure,” linking diligent virtue with assurance of salvation. Pastoral Succession and Legacy Peter’s statement, “I will make every effort to ensure that after my departure, you will be able to recall these things at all times” (2 Peter 1:15), shows intentional planning for doctrinal continuity beyond a leader’s lifespan—anticipating written Scripture and established catechesis for the next generation. Perseverance and Eschatological Readiness Hebrews 4:11 exhorts, “Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest.” The believer’s present diligence anticipates final Sabbath rest, while 2 Peter 3:14 urges readiness for the new heavens and earth: “make every effort to be found at peace with Him, spotless and blameless.” Persistent effort is fueled by eschatological hope, not self-reliance. Historical-Theological Significance The verb’s texture of earnest haste became emblematic of the early church’s self-understanding: a pilgrim people formed by decisive obedience. Patristic writers (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) echoed this vocabulary in urging bishops and congregations toward doctrinal purity and mutual charity. The Reformers later drew on passages like 2 Timothy 2:15 to champion rigorous engagement with the biblical text against negligent tradition. Contemporary Ministry Application • Shape benevolence ministries that are proactive, not reactive (Galatians 2:10). Conclusion Across its eleven appearances, Strong’s 4704 consistently calls the people of God to energetic obedience rooted in gospel grace, expressing itself in compassion, scholarship, unity, perseverance, and missional urgency as they await the consummation of all things in Christ. Englishman's Concordance Galatians 2:10 V-AIA-1SGRK: ὃ καὶ ἐσπούδασα αὐτὸ τοῦτο NAS: the very thing I also was eager to do. KJV: I also was forward to do. INT: which also I was earnest the same this Ephesians 4:3 V-PPA-NMP 1 Thessalonians 2:17 V-AIA-1P 2 Timothy 2:15 V-AMA-2S 2 Timothy 4:9 V-AMA-2S 2 Timothy 4:21 V-AMA-2S Titus 3:12 V-AMA-2S Hebrews 4:11 V-ASA-1P 2 Peter 1:10 V-AMA-2P 2 Peter 1:15 V-FIA-1S 2 Peter 3:14 V-AMA-2P Strong's Greek 4704 |
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