Lexical Summary agónizomai: To strive, to struggle, to fight, to labor fervently Original Word: ἀγωνίζομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fight, labor fervently, strive. 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 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.) The Greek verb ἀγωνίζομαι (Strong’s 75) pictures intense exertion in pursuit of victory, whether on a literal battlefield, an athletic arena, or the spiritual plane. Every New Testament occurrence casts the believer in an arena where determined, costly effort is required to reach a God-appointed goal. The word never connotes earning salvation by works; instead, it portrays the strenuous, Spirit-enabled response of faith to God’s gracious call. Greco-Roman and Old Testament Background In the first-century Mediterranean world the noun ἀγών described athletic contests held in stadia across the Empire. Competitors submitted to strict training, contended under public scrutiny, and sought an imperishable wreath of honor. Scripture adapts that familiar image, wedding it to older covenant language of warfare, pilgrimage, and covenant loyalty. Thus the verb naturally evokes both athletic and military connotations—discipline, endurance, courage, and focus. Usage in the Teaching of Jesus (Luke 13:24; John 18:36) Luke alone preserves Jesus’ direct command: “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 13:24). Here agonizomai confronts complacent religiosity. Many assume proximity to covenant privilege guarantees entrance; Christ insists on earnest response before the door is shut. In John 18:36 the temple police and Roman cohort “were fighting” over Jesus’ custody. The verb’s lone non-figurative New Testament use provides a vivid backdrop: earthly kingdom struggles contrast with the spiritual striving of Christ’s disciples. Pauline Employment Paul adopts the term seven times, filling it with gospel urgency. 1. Athletic Self-Mastery (1 Corinthians 9:25) “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things”. The image highlights personal discipline—diet, schedule, and mindset—voluntarily embraced for a prize. By analogy, the Christian missionary renounces legitimate freedoms to win the lost. 2. Energy Empowered by Grace (Colossians 1:29) Paul “strives with all the energy Christ so powerfully works” in him. Human toil and divine power meet; sanctification and ministry never rest on unaided human strength. 3. Intercessory Labor (Colossians 4:12) Epaphras “is always wrestling in prayer for you.” Prayer is not passive wishing but agonizing engagement against impediments to believers’ maturity. 4. Corporate Perseverance (1 Timothy 4:10) “For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God.” Evangelistic outreach and pastoral care demand effort fueled by eschatological hope. 5. The Noble Fight of Faith (1 Timothy 6:12) Timothy must “Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life.” The present imperative underscores an ongoing campaign, not a single skirmish. 6. A Finished Course (2 Timothy 4:7) Near death, Paul declares, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Agonizomai embraces both conflict and completion; the faithful servant anticipates the crown. Theological Themes • Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Striving presupposes God’s prior initiative. The door (Luke 13), the crown (2 Timothy 4), and eternal life (1 Timothy 6) are God’s gifts, yet believers actively seize them. • Perseverance of the Saints Agonizomai connects with New Testament calls to endurance. The genuine disciple’s life is characterized by persevering struggle until final vindication. • Spiritual Warfare Although never directly paired with demonic language, the verb often stands in contexts of opposition—religious hostility (Luke), false teaching (Pastorals), and apathy (Colossians). The fight is fundamentally spiritual. • Corporate Dimension Paul’s usage extends beyond personal holiness to intercessory prayer and gospel ministry. The church strives together, each member supplying what others lack. Implications for Ministry Today 1. Prayer Meetings as the Frontline Like Epaphras, congregations must approach prayer as wrestling, not ritual. Victory for missionaries, elders, and struggling saints is often secured in unseen agony before God. 2. Discipleship Rooted in Discipline Athletes surrender comforts for a fading wreath. Pastors should train believers to embrace spiritual disciplines—Scripture intake, fasting, service—for an imperishable crown. 3. Balanced View of Effort and Grace Ministry curricula must avoid both quietism and legalism. Colossians 1:29 offers the pattern: labor energized by divine power. 4. End-of-Life Faithfulness Retirement from secular vocation is legitimate; retirement from spiritual striving is not. Elders, missionaries, and laypeople should aim to echo Paul’s final testimony. Historical Witness Early Christian writers seized the metaphor. Ignatius urged Polycarp, “Be sober as an athlete of God; the prize is immortality.” The martyrs’ arena struggles rendered the image literal; their blood testified that the good fight can demand one’s life. Key Observations Across Occurrences • Present imperatives (Luke 13:24; 1 Timothy 6:12) stress ongoing effort. Summary Strong’s 75 portrays the Christian life as an arena of Spirit-empowered exertion. From the moment one enters the narrow gate until receiving the victor’s crown, believers contend—against sin, unbelief, and satanic opposition—confident that Christ has secured the decisive victory. 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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