ἀγωνίζομαι
agōnizomai
to struggle
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredBased on the lexical data for the Greek word ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai, Strong's number: G0075), it appears that the core meaning of this verb is "to struggle." This struggle can manifest as physical opposition, as seen in athletic or battle contexts, or intellectual and emotional opposition, as seen in debates and mental contests. The verb ἀγωνίζομαι is used eight times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. Its range of usage spans physical, intellectual, and emotional struggles, showcasing the complex and multifaceted nature of human conflict. The verb's meaning is clear and straightforward, conveying the idea of opposition or contest, whether it be between individuals or within oneself. The significance of ἀγωνίζομαι to a general audience lies in its universal relevance to human experience. The struggles referred to by this verb are inherent to life, affecting people from all walks of life. By analyzing this word, we gain insight into the inherent challenges and conflicts that shape human existence, providing a deeper understanding of what it means to live, grow, and overcome adversity.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
8 total occurrences across the text
“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
John 18:36Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.”
1 Corinthians 9:25Every man who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.
Colossians 1:29for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
1 Timothy 4:10For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.
2 Timothy 4:7I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.