Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of struggle is multifaceted, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. Struggle is an inherent part of the human experience, often depicted in Scripture as a means through which individuals grow in faith, character, and reliance on God.Old Testament The Old Testament is replete with narratives of struggle, both personal and communal. One of the earliest examples is the account of Jacob, who wrestled with a divine being at Peniel. This struggle, described in Genesis 32:24-30, is emblematic of Jacob's transformation and his new identity as Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." The passage highlights the idea that struggle can lead to blessing and a deeper relationship with God: "Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed'" (Genesis 32:28). The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land is another significant narrative of struggle. Their physical and spiritual challenges in the wilderness, including battles, scarcity, and internal dissent, are chronicled in the books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These struggles served as tests of faith and obedience, shaping the identity of the Israelite nation. Wisdom Literature The Book of Job offers a profound exploration of personal struggle and suffering. Job's trials, including the loss of his family, health, and wealth, raise questions about the nature of suffering and divine justice. Throughout his ordeal, Job maintains his faith, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and wisdom. Job 23:10 reflects this perseverance: "Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold" . The Psalms frequently express the struggles of the human heart, capturing the tension between despair and hope. Psalm 13, for example, begins with a cry of anguish but concludes with a declaration of trust in God's unfailing love: "But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation" (Psalm 13:5). New Testament In the New Testament, the theme of struggle is often linked to the spiritual battle against sin and the forces of evil. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently uses the metaphor of struggle to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "For 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 underscores the spiritual nature of the Christian's struggle and the need for divine armor to stand firm. Paul's own life is a testament to enduring struggle for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, he recounts his hardships, including imprisonments, beatings, and shipwrecks, yet he remains steadfast in his mission. His perseverance is encapsulated in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . The struggle against sin is also a central theme in the New Testament. In Romans 7:15-25, Paul describes the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the reality of sin at work within him. This passage highlights the ongoing struggle of sanctification, culminating in the assurance of victory through Jesus Christ. Theological Implications Struggle, from a biblical perspective, is not merely an obstacle to be overcome but a vital component of spiritual growth and maturity. It is through struggle that believers are refined, their faith tested and strengthened. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" . Moreover, struggle is an invitation to rely on God's strength rather than one's own. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers to cast their anxieties on God, who cares for them (1 Peter 5:7). This reliance on divine strength is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, offering hope and assurance in the midst of life's struggles. Topical Bible Verses 1 Corinthians 10:13There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. Topicalbible.org John 8:34 Romans 14:1 1 Corinthians 6:18 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To strive, or to make efforts, with a twisting, or with contortions of the body.2. (v. i.) To use great efforts; to labor hard; to strive; to contend forcibly; as, to struggle to save one's life; to struggle with the waves; to struggle with adversity. 3. (v. i.) To labor in pain or anguish; to be in agony; to labor in any kind of difficulty or distress. 4. (n.) A violent effort or efforts with contortions of the body; agony; distress. 5. (n.) Great labor; forcible effort to obtain an object, or to avert an evil. 6. (n.) Contest; contention; strife. Greek 73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle ... a gathering, contest, struggle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: agon Phonetic Spelling: (ag-one') Short Definition: a contest Definition: an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/73.htm - 7k 2610. katagonizomai -- to struggle against 75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle 464. antagonizomai -- to struggle against 1264. diamachomai -- to struggle against 3823. pale -- wrestling, generally fight 4865. sunagonizomai -- to strive with 74. agonia -- a contest, great fear 4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be ... 1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for Strong's Hebrew 5327b. natsah -- to struggle... 5327a, 5327b. natsah. 5327c . to struggle. Transliteration: natsah Short Definition: contended. Word Origin a prim. root Definition ... /hebrew/5327b.htm - 5k 7712. shedar -- to struggle, strive 7533. ratsats -- to crush 5319. naphtulim -- wrestlings 6617. pathal -- to twist 6635. tsaba -- army, war, warfare Library Ep. Cv. The Time is Swift, the Struggle Great, and My Sickness ... A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Of the Fact that Devils Struggle with Men not Without Effort on ... Of the Struggle into which we must Enter against Our Faults, when ... Gethsemane: the Strange, Lone Struggle. Matthew 26:36-46. Mark 14 ... With Freedom is Thy Struggle, O Evil One: it Can Cast on Thee a ... The Struggle in America, 1762-1857. M. Bulfinch. Struggle. How Our First Struggle must be against the Spirit of Gluttony, IE ... The Struggle for Life Thesaurus Struggle (16 Occurrences)... 2. (vi) To use great efforts; to labor hard; to strive; to contend forcibly; as, to struggle to save one's life; to struggle with the waves; to struggle with ... /s/struggle.htm - 11k Agony (20 Occurrences) Fight (265 Occurrences) Wrestle Medes (15 Occurrences) Eleloheisrael (1 Occurrence) El-elohe-Israel (1 Occurrence) Dispute (37 Occurrences) Possessors (14 Occurrences) Conflict (18 Occurrences) Resources Why do so many people struggle with a lack of faith? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was the worship of Baal and Asherah a constant struggle for the Israelites? | GotQuestions.org What is the key to victory when struggling with sin? | GotQuestions.org Struggle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Struggle (16 Occurrences)Mark 10:23 Mark 10:24 Luke 18:24 Romans 15:30 Philippians 4:3 Colossians 2:1 1 Timothy 6:12 Hebrews 10:32 Hebrews 12:4 Genesis 25:22 Genesis 30:8 Exodus 21:22 Judges 12:2 Job 9:29 Job 14:14 Job 41:8 Subtopics Related Terms |
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