Exertion, in the biblical context, refers to the application of effort, energy, or diligence in the pursuit of a task or goal. The concept of exertion is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and dedication in both spiritual and earthly endeavors.

Old Testament Insights

The Old Testament frequently highlights the value of exertion, particularly in the context of labor and diligence. Proverbs 13:4 states, "The soul of the sluggard craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This verse underscores the principle that exertion and diligence lead to fulfillment and reward, contrasting the outcomes of laziness and hard work.

In Ecclesiastes 9:10 , the Preacher advises, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." This exhortation encourages wholehearted exertion in all endeavors, recognizing the temporal nature of life and the opportunity to work diligently while on earth.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of exertion, particularly in the context of spiritual growth and service. In Colossians 3:23-24 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Here, exertion is framed as an act of worship and service to God, with the promise of divine reward.

Paul also speaks to the necessity of exertion in the Christian life in Philippians 3:13-14 : "Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." This passage illustrates the exertion required in the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the ultimate goal of eternal life with Christ.

Exertion in Ministry and Service

Exertion is also a key theme in the context of ministry and service. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , Paul encourages believers, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse reassures Christians that their exertion in serving the Lord is meaningful and will bear fruit.

The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 4:10-11 , urging believers to use their gifts to serve one another, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." Exertion in service is thus portrayed as a means of glorifying God and stewarding His grace.

Exertion and Rest

While the Bible advocates for diligent exertion, it also acknowledges the necessity of rest. The principle of Sabbath rest, as instituted in Genesis 2:2-3 and reiterated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), provides a rhythm of work and rest, recognizing human limitations and the need for physical and spiritual renewal.

Jesus Himself modeled this balance, as seen in Mark 6:31 , where He invites His disciples, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This invitation highlights the importance of rest amidst exertion, ensuring that believers remain effective in their work and service.

In summary, exertion in the biblical sense is a vital component of a faithful life, encompassing diligent work, spiritual striving, and dedicated service, all while recognizing the need for rest and reliance on God's strength.(n.) The act of exerting, or putting into motion or action; the active exercise of any power or faculty; an effort, esp. a laborious or perceptible effort; as, an exertion of strength or power; an exertion of the limbs or of the mind; it is an exertion for him to move, to-day.328. anazonnumi -- to gird up
... Phonetic Spelling: (an-ad-zone'-noo-mee) Short Definition: I gird up, brace up
Definition: I gird up, brace up (with a view to active exertion); a metaphor ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/328.htm - 7k

1753b. energeia -- operative power
... Word Origin from energes Definition operative power NASB Word Usage activity (1),
exertion (1), influence (1), working (4). 1753a, 1753b. energeia. 1754 . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1753b.htm - 5k

2834. chasaph -- to strip off, strip, make bare
... A primitive root; to strip off, ie Generally to make naked (for exertion or in
disgrace), to drain away or bail up (a liquid) -- make bare, clean, discover ...
/hebrew/2834.htm - 6k

7673. shabath -- to cease, desist, rest
... A primitive root; to repose, ie Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations
(causative, figurative or specific) -- (cause to, let, make to) cease ...
/hebrew/7673.htm - 5k

Wherein the Pharisee Sinned when He Thanked God; to God's Grace ...
... Book II. Chapter 6."Wherein the Pharisee Sinned When He Thanked God; To
God's Grace Must Be Added the Exertion of Our Own Will. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 6 wherein the pharisee sinned.htm

Of Conversion
... Now we must not suppose that this is effected by a violent exertion of its own powers;
for it is not capable of, nor should it attempt any other co-operation ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xi of conversion.htm

Corinthians iii. 21-23.
... the absence of that one element which might feed pride, is likely with us to work
in a better manner, and to lead rather to thankfulness and increased exertion ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture vii corinthians iii 21-23.htm

He Thus Proceeds to a Magnificent Discourse of the Interpretation ...
... Every energy is contemplated as exertion in the party who exhibits it, and on
the completion of his exertion, it has no independent existence. ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 12 he thus proceeds.htm

Description of the Perfect Man, or Gnostic.
... For the exertion of the intellect by exercise is prolonged to a perpetual
exertion. And the perpetual exertion of the intellect ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi description of the perfect.htm

Of Internal Acts
... My act, however, should consist in a continual turning unto God, an exertion of
every faculty and power of the soul purely for Him, agreeably to the ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter xxii of internal acts.htm

Letter vi. Associates and Friends.
... The very absence of exertion makes them weak and indisposed to effort. ... Very likely
they will want to lie down and rest an hour after such exertion. ...
/.../letter vi associates and friends.htm

The World Our Enemy.
... This system is the world, to which it is plain belong our various modes of supporting
ourselves and families by exertion of mind and body, our intercourse with ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iii the world our.htm

Of the Senses and their Power.
... For it happens on this account, because there are two eyes. But hear how it happens.
The sight of the eyes consists in the exertion of the soul. ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap ix of the senses and.htm

Of Spiritual Aridity
... At these seasons we are apt to believe, either that it proves our fidelity, and
evinces a greater ardour of affection, to seek Him by an exertion of our own ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter v of spiritual aridity.htm

Exertion (2 Occurrences)
... a laborious or perceptible effort; as, an exertion of strength or power; an exertion
of the limbs or of the mind; it is an exertion for him to move, to-day. ...
/e/exertion.htm - 7k

Work (4564 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Exertion of strength or faculties; physical or intellectual effort directed
to an end; industrial activity; toil; employment; sometimes, specifically ...
/w/work.htm - 12k

Exercise (35 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of exercising; a setting in action or practicing; employment in
the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use; habitual activity ...
/e/exercise.htm - 22k

Labor (181 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Physical toil or bodily exertion, especially when fatiguing, irksome, or
unavoidable, in distinction from sportive exercise; hard, muscular effort ...
/l/labor.htm - 38k

Rest (831 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To arrest. 2. (n.) A state of quiet or repose; a cessation from motion or
labor; tranquility; as, rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind. ...
/r/rest.htm - 47k

Endeavor (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) An exertion of physical or intellectual strength toward the attainment of
an object; a systematic or continuous attempt; an effort; a trial. Int. ...
/e/endeavor.htm - 8k

Easy (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) At ease; free from pain, trouble, or constraint. 2. (vt) Free from pain,
distress, toil, exertion, and the like; quiet; as, the patient is easy. ...
/e/easy.htm - 11k

Burst (33 Occurrences)
... 2. (vi) To fly apart or in pieces; of break open; to yield to force or pressure,
especially to a sudden and violent exertion of force, or to pressure from ...
/b/burst.htm - 17k

Achievement (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) The act of achieving or performing; an obtaining by exertion; successful
performance; accomplishment; as, the achievement of his object. ...
/a/achievement.htm - 7k

Strain (5 Occurrences)
... person. 8. (v.) To injure by drawing, stretching, or the exertion of force;
as, the gale strained the timbers of the ship. 9. (v ...
/s/strain.htm - 11k

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