Strong's Lexicon athleó: To contend, to strive, to compete Original Word: ἀθλέω Word Origin: Derived from ἆθλον (athlon), meaning "a contest" or "prize." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀθλέω, the concept of striving or contending can be seen in Hebrew words like לָחַם (lacham, Strong's H3898), meaning "to fight" or "to battle," which conveys a similar sense of struggle and effort. Usage: The verb ἀθλέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of competing or striving, particularly in the context of athletic contests. It conveys the idea of exerting oneself with discipline and effort to achieve a goal, often used metaphorically to describe the Christian life as a race or contest requiring perseverance and dedication. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, athletic contests were a significant part of cultural life, with events such as the Olympic Games being highly esteemed. Athletes trained rigorously to compete for a prize, often a wreath or crown, symbolizing victory and honor. This cultural backdrop provides a vivid metaphor for the Christian's spiritual journey, emphasizing the need for discipline, endurance, and focus on the ultimate prize of eternal life. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom athlos (a contest, struggle) Definition to contend, wrestle NASB Translation competes (1), competes as an athlete (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 118: ἀθλέωἀθλέω, (ῶ; (1 aorist subjunctive 3 person singular ἀθλήσῃ); (ἆθλος, a contest); to engage in a contest, contend in public games (e. g. Olympian, Pythian, Isthmian), with the poniard(?), gauntlet, quoit, in wrestling, running, or any other way: 2 Timothy 2:5; (often in classic authors who also use the form ἀθλεύω). (Compare: συναθλέω). Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strive. From athlos (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games -- strive. Forms and Transliterations αθλη αθλή ἀθλῇ αθληση αθλήση ἀθλήσῃ athle athlē athlêi athlē̂i athlese athlēsē athlḗsei athlḗsēiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Timothy 2:5 V-PSA-3SGRK: δὲ καὶ ἀθλῇ τις οὐ NAS: anyone competes as an athlete, KJV: also strive for masteries, [yet] is he INT: moreover also content [in the games] anyone not 2 Timothy 2:5 V-ASA-3S |
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