The term "strivest" is an archaic form of the verb "strive," which means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, or to struggle or fight vigorously. In the context of the Bible, "strivest" often refers to the act of contending or struggling, whether in a physical, spiritual, or moral sense. This term appears in various passages, highlighting the human condition of conflict and the pursuit of righteousness.

Biblical Usage:

1. Spiritual Struggle:
The concept of striving is frequently associated with the spiritual struggle against sin and the pursuit of holiness. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to strive for a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life as a race or a fight, urging believers to strive for the prize of eternal life.

2. Contention with God:
In the Old Testament, the term can also refer to the act of contending with God. This is seen in the account of Jacob, who wrestled with an angel of the Lord at Peniel (Genesis 32:24-30). This physical struggle is symbolic of Jacob's spiritual striving and his desire for God's blessing. The narrative illustrates the idea that striving with God can lead to transformation and blessing.

3. Human Conflict:
"Strivest" can also denote human conflict and disputes. Proverbs 3:30 advises, "Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm." This reflects the biblical principle of avoiding unnecessary strife and living peaceably with others. The Bible consistently calls for reconciliation and peace, urging believers to resolve conflicts in a manner that honors God.

4. Moral and Ethical Striving:
The Bible encourages believers to strive for moral and ethical integrity. In Luke 13:24 , Jesus says, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able." This passage emphasizes the importance of striving to live according to God's standards, recognizing that the path to righteousness is challenging and requires dedication.

Theological Implications:

The concept of striving in the Bible underscores the tension between human effort and divine grace. While believers are called to strive for holiness and righteousness, it is ultimately through God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit that they are empowered to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God. This balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty is a central theme in Christian theology.

Practical Application:

For contemporary believers, the call to "strive" serves as a reminder of the active role they must play in their spiritual journey. It encourages perseverance in faith, commitment to prayer, and dedication to studying Scripture. By striving to align their lives with God's will, believers can grow in their relationship with Him and become effective witnesses to the world.

In summary, "strivest" in the biblical context encompasses the multifaceted nature of human effort in the pursuit of spiritual, moral, and relational goals. It highlights the ongoing struggle against sin, the importance of seeking God's presence, and the call to live in harmony with others.

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... why dost Thou suffer this in the flesh, and strivest to make me childless? Endeavour
to glorify Thyself that I may be magnified through Thy passion! ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

Of the Proving of the True Lover
... For thou dost rather unwillingly undergo them than cause them; and so long as they
displease thee and thou strivest against them, it is a merit and no loss. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter vi of the proving.htm

The Emperor Theodosius by Salaminius Hermias Sozomen, and Proposal ...
... For while thou strivest to conquer all by thy virtues, thou dost also conduct thine
own affairs successfully, according to thy thorough knowledge of the story ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/address to the emperor theodosius.htm

Psalm CXXXVII.
... O people of God, O body of Christ, O high-born band of wanderers (for thy home is
not here, but elsewhere), lest when thou lovest them, strivest for their ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxxvii.htm

On Admonition and Repentance.
... Whatsoever transgressions thou lovest, thou art serving demons in thy soul.
Whensoever thou strivest with thy brother, Satan abides in peace. ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/on admonition and repentance.htm

Hebrews vii. 3-Jan
... Nevertheless that thou wilt attain that which thou earnestly strivest after is
very evident; so long as thou runnest, so long as thou willest. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii hebrews vii 3-jan.htm

John Chapter viii. 12
... There is one who goes astray, thou wishest to lead him to the way; he resists, thou
strivest with him: the pagan resists thee, thou disputest against the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxiv john chapter viii.htm

Concerning the Sacrament of Penance
... This faith thou not only compellest to silence in the midst of these tumults, but
strivest to destroy, only in order that thy avarice, that insatiable leech ...
/.../first principles of the reformation/concerning the sacrament of penance.htm

Matt. xxiv. 16-18.
... Thou strivest on earth, and the crown is in Heaven; thou art punished of men, and
art honored of God; the race is for two days, and the reward for endless ages ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxvi matt xxiv 16-18.htm

Book v. Our Reply, in the Previous Books, to the Mad and ...
... It is not the blessing of a God by adoption that thou dost claim, but the true God's
blessing. With Man thou strivest; but face to face thou seest God. ...
/.../hilary/the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book v our reply in.htm

Strivest (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strivest (3 Occurrences). Job 10:2 I will say unto +God,
Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou strivest with me. (DBY). ...
/s/strivest.htm - 7k

Striveth (7 Occurrences)

/s/striveth.htm - 8k

Close (186 Occurrences)
... thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar?" (Jeremiah 22:15 the King James
Version), the Revised Version (British and American) "strivest to excel in ...
/c/close.htm - 39k

Strives (4 Occurrences)

/s/strives.htm - 7k

Strive (64 Occurrences)
... with him? (DBY). Job 10:2 I will say unto +God, Do not condemn me; shew
me wherefore thou strivest with me. (Root in DBY YLT). Job ...
/s/strive.htm - 25k

Sharp (115 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Isaiah 27:8 In measure, in sending it forth, thou strivest with it, He hath
taken away by His sharp wind, In the day of an east wind, (YLT). ...
/s/sharp.htm - 38k

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