Strong's Lexicon agónizomai: To strive, to struggle, to fight, to labor fervently Original Word: ἀγωνίζομαι Word Origin: Derived from ἀγών (agón), meaning "a contest" or "struggle." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to ἀγωνίζομαι, the concept of striving or contending can be seen in Hebrew words like לָחַם (lacham, Strong's H3898), meaning "to fight" or "to battle." Usage: The verb ἀγωνίζομαι conveys the idea of engaging in a struggle or contest, often with a sense of intense effort or determination. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual and moral effort required in the Christian life. It implies a sense of perseverance and dedication in the face of challenges, akin to an athlete competing in a race or a soldier in battle. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the term ἀγών (agón) was commonly associated with athletic contests, such as the Olympic Games, where competitors would exert themselves to the utmost to win a prize. This cultural backdrop provides a vivid metaphor for the Christian life, which is often depicted as a race or battle requiring discipline, endurance, and focus. The early Christians, living in a society that often opposed their beliefs, would have resonated with the imagery of striving and struggling to maintain their faith. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 75 agōnízomai (from 73 /agṓn, "conflict/struggle," the root of the English term, "agonize") – properly, to struggle, like engaged in an intense athletic contest or warfare (Souter). See 73 (agōn). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agón Definition to contend for a prize, struggle NASB Translation competes in the games (1), fight (1), fighting (1), fought (1), laboring earnestly (1), strive (2), striving (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 75: ἀγωνίζομαιἀγωνίζομαι; imperfect ἠγωνιζόμην; perfect ἠγώνισμαι; a deponent middle verb (cf. Winer's Grammar, 260 (244)); (ἀγών); 1. to enter a contest; contend in the gymnastic games: 1 Corinthians 9:25. 2. universally, to contend with adversaries, fight: followed by ἵνα μή, John 18:36. 3. figuratively to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers antagonistic to the gospel: Colossians 1:29; 1 Timothy 4:10 (L T Tr text WH text; for Rec. ὀνειδιζόμεθα); ἀγωνίζομαι ἀγῶνα (often used by the Greeks also, especially the Attic), 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7. 4. to endeavor with strenuous zeal, strife, to obtain something; followed by an infinitive, Luke 13:24; ὑπέρ τίνος ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς, ἵνα, Colossians 4:12. (Compare: ἀνταγωνίζομαι, ἐπαγωνίζομαι, καταγωνίζομαι, συναγωνίζομαι.) From agon; to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something) -- fight, labor fervently, strive. see GREEK agon Englishman's Concordance Luke 13:24 V-PMM/P-2PGRK: Ἀγωνίζεσθε εἰσελθεῖν διὰ NAS: Strive to enter through KJV: Strive to enter in at INT: Strive to enter in through John 18:36 V-IIM/P-3P 1 Corinthians 9:25 V-PPM/P-NMS Colossians 1:29 V-PPM/P-NMS Colossians 4:12 V-PPM/P-NMS 1 Timothy 4:10 V-PIM/P-1P 1 Timothy 6:12 V-PMM/P-2S 2 Timothy 4:7 V-RIM/P-1S Strong's Greek 75 |
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