Strong's Lexicon athlésis: Contest, struggle, conflict Original Word: ἄθλησις Word Origin: Derived from ἀθλέω (athleō), meaning "to contend" or "to struggle." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "athlésis," the concept of struggle or conflict can be related to Hebrew words such as "מַאֲבָק" (ma'avak - struggle) or "צָרָה" (tsarah - trouble, distress). Usage: The term "athlésis" refers to the act of engaging in a contest or struggle, often implying a sense of enduring hardship or opposition. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual and moral struggles faced by believers as they contend for their faith. 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. The metaphor of athletic competition was commonly used to describe various aspects of life, including moral and spiritual struggles. The early Christians, familiar with these cultural references, would have understood "athlésis" as a vivid illustration of the perseverance and dedication required in their spiritual journey. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom athleó Definition a contest NASB Translation conflict (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 119: ἄθλησιςἄθλησις, (εως, ἡ, contest, combat, (frequently from Polybius down); figuratively, ἄθλησις παθημάτων a struggle with sufferings, trials, Hebrews 10:32; (of martyrdom, Ignatius mart. 4; Clement, mart. 25). STRONGS NT 119a: ἀθροίζωἀθροίζω: perfect passive participle ἠθροισμένος; (from ἀθρόος, equivalent to θρόος (a noisy crowd, noise), with a copulative (see A, a, 2)); to collect together, assemble; passive to be assembled, to convene: Luke 24:33 L T Tr WH. ((Sophocles) Xenophon, Plato, Polybius, Photius, others; O. T. Apocrypha; sometimes in the Sept. for קָבַץ.) (Compare: ἐπαθροίζω, συναθροίζω). From athleo; a struggle (figuratively) -- fight. see GREEK athleo |
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