Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "strive" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings, including to struggle, contend, or make a diligent effort. It is often used in the context of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and the pursuit of righteousness. The term appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in the life of a believer.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "strive" is "riyb," which can mean to contend or dispute. This is seen in passages where individuals or groups are in conflict or where there is a call to defend justice and righteousness. For example, in Isaiah 3:13, it is written, "The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people." Here, the striving of the Lord is depicted as a divine act of judgment and correction. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "agonizomai" is frequently used, which conveys the idea of struggling or striving earnestly. This term is often associated with the Christian's spiritual journey and the effort required to live a life pleasing to God. In Luke 13:24, Jesus instructs, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." This passage highlights the necessity of earnest effort in seeking salvation and the kingdom of God. The Apostle Paul also uses the concept of striving in his epistles to describe the Christian life as a race or a battle. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, he writes, "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one." Here, the metaphor of an athlete striving for victory is used to illustrate the discipline and perseverance required in the Christian faith. Spiritual Implications Striving in the biblical sense is not merely about human effort but involves reliance on God's strength and grace. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This passage underscores the cooperative nature of striving, where human effort is empowered by divine assistance. Moral and Ethical Dimensions The Bible also presents striving as a moral and ethical imperative. Believers are called to strive for peace and holiness. Hebrews 12:14 exhorts, "Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." This striving involves a commitment to live in harmony with others and to uphold the standards of holiness set forth by God. Striving Against Sin Striving is also depicted as a struggle against sin and temptation. In Hebrews 12:4, it is stated, "In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood." This verse acknowledges the intensity of the battle against sin and the need for steadfastness in resisting evil. Conclusion The biblical concept of striving encompasses a dynamic and active pursuit of spiritual goals, moral integrity, and righteous living. It is a call to engage wholeheartedly in the Christian life, relying on God's strength and grace to overcome challenges and grow in faith. Topical Bible Verses John 14:15If you love me, keep my commandments. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 5:25 Matthew 5:48 1 John 1:9 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To make efforts; to use exertions; to endeavor with earnestness; to labor hard.2. (v. i.) To struggle in opposition; to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest; -- followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation; strive for the truth. 3. (v. i.) To vie; to compete; to be a rival. 4. (n.) An effort; a striving. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia STRIVEstriv. Greek 4865. sunagonizomai -- to strive with ... to strive with. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: sunagonizomai Phonetic Spelling: (soon-ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I struggle in company with ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4865.htm - 7k 2051. erizo -- to wrangle, strive 4866. sunathleo -- to strive with 3054. logomacheo -- to strive with words 5383. philoproteuo -- to strive to be first 496. antipipto -- to fall against, strive against 3164. machomai -- to fight 464. antagonizomai -- to struggle against 75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle 1264. diamachomai -- to struggle against Strong's Hebrew 7378. rib -- to strive, contend... 7377, 7378. rib or rub. 7379 . to strive, contend. Transliteration: rib or rub Phonetic Spelling: (reeb) Short Definition: contend. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7378.htm - 6k 7712. shedar -- to struggle, strive 1624. garah -- to stir up (strife), engage in strife 5327. natsah -- perhaps to fly 1519. giach -- to break forth 3401. yarib -- opponent, adversary 6229. asaq -- to contend 1245. baqash -- to seek 7379. rib -- strife, dispute 1777. din -- to judge Library We must Strive in Order to be Crowned. We must Strive in Order to be Crowned. We must Strive for Preferment Only by Right Means. ... The Pelagians Still Strive after a Hiding-Place, by Introducing ... Fragment ii. Therefore You Ought to Strive to the Utmost of Your ... All which Things Being Heard and Well Considered, I Will not ... Of the Desire after Eternal Life, and How Great Blessings are ... And Let us Strive that Wrath Rule us not nor Lust Overcome Us... Argument: Whatever the Christians Worship, they Strive in Every ... The Partisans of Acacius Again do not Remain Quiet, but Strive to ... Thesaurus Strive (64 Occurrences)... to be in contention or dispute; to contend; to contest; -- followed by against or with before the person or thing opposed; as, strive against temptation ...STRIVE. ... /s/strive.htm - 25k Struggle (16 Occurrences) Strove (25 Occurrences) Contend (56 Occurrences) Striven (10 Occurrences) Lawfully (2 Occurrences) Freemen (17 Occurrences) Rival (5 Occurrences) Debate (13 Occurrences) Masteries (1 Occurrence) Resources To what extent should we strive to be like Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgJust how narrow is the narrow gate? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about excellence? | GotQuestions.org Strive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Strive (64 Occurrences)Matthew 12:19 Luke 12:58 Luke 13:24 Romans 15:30 1 Corinthians 14:12 2 Corinthians 4:2 Philippians 4:3 Colossians 2:1 1 Timothy 4:10 1 Timothy 6:11 1 Timothy 6:12 2 Timothy 2:5 2 Timothy 2:14 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 2:22 2 Timothy 2:24 Hebrews 4:11 Hebrews 12:14 James 3:18 Genesis 6:3 Genesis 26:20 Genesis 26:21 Genesis 26:22 Exodus 17:2 Exodus 21:18 Leviticus 24:10 Numbers 20:3 Deuteronomy 2:5 Deuteronomy 25:11 Deuteronomy 33:7 Deuteronomy 33:8 Judges 8:1 Judges 11:25 Judges 21:22 1 Samuel 2:10 2 Samuel 14:6 Nehemiah 5:7 Nehemiah 13:11 Nehemiah 13:17 Nehemiah 13:25 Job 9:3 Job 9:14 Job 10:2 Job 13:8 Job 13:19 Job 23:6 Job 33:13 Psalms 35:1 Psalms 55:18 Psalms 103:9 Psalms 139:21 Proverbs 3:30 Proverbs 25:8 Proverbs 28:4 Isaiah 1:17 Isaiah 41:11 Isaiah 45:9 Isaiah 49:25 Isaiah 57:16 Jeremiah 2:29 Jeremiah 22:15 Hosea 4:4 Hosea 6:3 Micah 6:1 Subtopics Related Terms |