The term "striveth" is an archaic form of the verb "strive," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible. It generally denotes a sense of struggle, contention, or earnest effort. In the scriptural context, striving can refer to both physical and spiritual endeavors, often highlighting the human condition in relation to God's will and the pursuit of righteousness.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the concept of striving is frequently associated with conflict and contention among individuals or groups. For example, in Genesis 26:20, the herdsmen of Gerar "strove" with Isaac's herdsmen over water rights, illustrating the disputes that can arise over resources. The Hebrew word often translated as "strive" in these contexts is "riyb," which can mean to contend, dispute, or quarrel.

The notion of striving also appears in a more spiritual sense. In Isaiah 45:9, the prophet declares, "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles?'" . Here, striving against God is depicted as a futile and rebellious act, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over His creation.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the Greek word "agonizomai" is often translated as "strive" and carries the connotation of an intense struggle or effort, akin to an athletic contest. This is evident in Luke 13:24, where Jesus instructs, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" . This passage underscores the earnest effort required to live a life of faith and obedience, suggesting that the path to salvation is not without its challenges.

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the concept of striving to describe the Christian life. In 1 Corinthians 9:25, he writes, "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable" . Here, the metaphor of an athlete striving for victory serves to illustrate the dedication and perseverance required in the spiritual journey.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of striving in the Bible often reflects 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 empowerment that they can achieve these goals. This is evident in Philippians 2:12-13, where Paul exhorts 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 pleasure" .

Striving is also seen in the context of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . This passage highlights the spiritual dimension of striving, where believers are engaged in a battle against evil forces, requiring the armor of God for victory.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the call to strive in the Christian life involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship with other believers. It also entails a willingness to confront and overcome personal sin and to engage in acts of service and love toward others. The believer's striving is not in vain, as it is supported by the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides them in their walk with Christ.

Third Sunday Before Lent
... the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain.25 And every man that striveth
in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/third sunday before lent.htm

Of the Knowledge of Truth
... which is pure, sincere, and steadfast, is not distracted though it hath many works
to do, because it doth all things to the honour of God, and striveth to be ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter iii of the knowledge.htm

Fragment ii. Therefore You Ought to Strive to the Utmost of Your ...
... But he that striveth for the mastery [1296] is temperate in all things; and they
do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. Footnotes: ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment ii therefore you ought.htm

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
... And so it is here; it is not every one that runneth, nor every one that seeketh,
nor every one that striveth for the mastery that hath it. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bunyan the heavenly footman.htm

All we Therefore, who Believe in the Living and True God...
... the laver of regeneration the grace of God hath already remitted unto the faithful;
but under the hands of the same Physician nature as yet striveth with its ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on continence/section 18 all we therefore.htm

That we must Press on and Persevere in Faith and virtue, and in ...
... [3749] Luke 12:35-37. [3750] Oxford edition: "For every one that striveth for the
mastery is temperate in all things.". [3751] 1 Corinthians 9:24, 25. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/8 that we must press.htm

L'envoy
... that miracle of Spring The grand old tree that darkens Exeter wall Hath decked itself
with blossoms as with stars, Since I, like one that striveth unto death ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark /lenvoy.htm

L'envoy
... that miracle of Spring The grand old tree that darkens Exeter wall Hath decked itself
with blossoms as with stars, Since I, like one that striveth unto death ...
/.../burgon/the last twelve verses of the gospel according to s mark/lenvoy.htm

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints ...
... [2527] For he that striveth for masteries, is not crowned except he strive lawfully."
[2528] Hereupon, lest the other should be put to straits, saying, "Dig I ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 16 for he himself.htm

First Part.
... thirst the covetous worldling upon his Mammon, the ambitious upon his honour, the
voluptuous upon his pleasure; the same the Christian striveth in equall, yea ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/first part.htm

Striveth (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Striveth (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every
man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. ...
/s/striveth.htm - 8k

Mastery (5 Occurrences)
... had the mastery of them"; in 1 Corinthians 9:25, agonizomai, "to contend for a prize,"
to be a combatant in the public games, is translated "striveth for the ...
/m/mastery.htm - 9k

Striving (33 Occurrences)

/s/striving.htm - 16k

Fashioneth (5 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker!
Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. ...
/f/fashioneth.htm - 8k

Fashioned (22 Occurrences)
... nothing? (WEB JPS ASV NAS). Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his
Maker! a potsherd among the potsherds of the earth! Shall ...
/f/fashioned.htm - 13k

Formeth (11 Occurrences)
... house. (DBY). Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let
a potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall ...
/f/formeth.htm - 9k

Temperate (6 Occurrences)
... HE Jacobs. Multi-Version Concordance Temperate (6 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians
9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. ...
/t/temperate.htm - 12k

Earthenware (13 Occurrences)
... dross. (See NIV). Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker,
as a potsherd with the potsherds of the earth! Shall the ...
/e/earthenware.htm - 10k

Earthen (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). Isaiah 45:9 Woe unto him that striveth with
his Maker, as a potsherd with the potsherds of the earth! ...
/e/earthen.htm - 13k

Exerciseth (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Exerciseth (3 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 And every
man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. ...
/e/exerciseth.htm - 7k

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