Greek · G75 · unreviewed

ἀγωνίζομαι

To struggle

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ἀγωνίζομαι G75
Pronunciation agōnízomai

What does ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai) mean in the Bible?

ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnízomai) is a Greek word meaning "to struggle". ἀγωνίζομαι (ἀγών), [in LXX: Da TH 6:14 (שׂוּם בָּל), Sir. Faithfulness involves perseverance amid opposition.

Full entry for ἀγωνίζομαι (G75) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

to struggle
Extended definition

Intense struggle toward a goal, whether athletic competition, physical combat, or spiritual striving against opposition.

(ἀγών), [in LXX: Da TH 6:14 (שׂוּם בָּל), Sir.4:28, I, II, 4Mac .5 * ;]

1to contend for a prize: 1Co.9:25,
2to fight, struggle, strive: Jhn.18:36; metaphorically (MM, VGT, see word). Col.1:29 4:12, 1Ti.4:10 6:12, 2Ti.4:7; with inf. (Field, Notes, 66), Luk.13:24 (Cremer, 609)
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Faithfulness involves perseverance amid opposition. 1 Timothy 6:11-16
Grammatical Forms

How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.

Tenses
Present Imperfect Perfect
Voices
Middle
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality
Present Middle 1 Cor 9:25 · Col 1:29 · Col 4:12
Imperative command or strong request
Present Middle Luke 13:24 · 1 Tim 6:12
Indicative states a fact or reality
Imperfect Middle John 18:36
Perfect Middle 2 Tim 4:7
Discourse Aspect

How this verb appears across 7 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).

Aspect
resultant 1 imperative 2 background 1 participle 3
Tense
present 5 perfect 1 imperfect 1
Voice
middle 7
Mood
participle 3 imperative 2 indicative 2

Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.

Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)

Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources