Strong's Lexicon agón: Contest, struggle, conflict, race Original Word: ἀγών Word Origin: Derived from the root verb ἄγω (agō), meaning "to lead" or "to bring together." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "agón," the concept of struggle or contest can be related to terms like מִלְחָמָה (milchamah, Strong's H4421), meaning "battle" or "war," which conveys a similar sense of conflict and effort. Usage: In the New Testament, "agón" is used metaphorically to describe the Christian life as a struggle or contest, akin to an athletic competition. It conveys the idea of exertion, effort, and perseverance in the face of challenges. The term emphasizes the disciplined and determined nature of the believer's journey of faith. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "agón" referred to public athletic contests, such as those held during the Olympic Games. These events were significant social and religious occasions, emphasizing physical prowess, honor, and glory. The metaphor of athletic competition was familiar to Paul's audience, who would understand the rigorous training and dedication required to compete successfully. HELPS Word-studies 73 agṓn(a masculine noun, and the root of the English words, "agony," "agonize") – properly, a contest (struggle), a grueling conflict (fight); (figuratively) positive struggle that goes with "fighting the good fight of faith" (1 Tim 6:12) – which literally states, "Struggle (75 /agōnízomai) the good struggle (73 /agṓn) of the (life of) faith." [73 (agṓn) refers to "an (athletic) contest; hence, a struggle (in the soul)" (Souter). "In secular Greek 73 (agṓn) refers to a gathering to see the games, or the place of contest (Homer), or the Olympus games themselves, or some smaller contest in particular – the gymnikos, hippikos, and mousikos – and more generally, any struggle or battle" (Nigel Turner, Christian Words, 81). In the ancient world, athletic contests could be so severe they caused the toughest men to crumble. Indeed, this was common (so Euripedes, Xenophon).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom agó Definition a gathering, contest, struggle NASB Translation conflict (1), fight (2), opposition (1), race (1), struggle (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 73: ἀγώνἀγών, ἀγῶνος, ὁ (ἄγω); 1. a place of assembly (Homer, Iliad 7, 298; 18, 376); specifically, the place in which the Greeks assembled to celebrate solemn games (as the Pythian, the Olympian); hence, 2. a contest, of athletes, runners, charioteers. In a figurative sense, a. in the phrase (used by the Greeks, see τρέχω, b.) τρέχειν τόν ἀγῶνα, Hebrews 12:1, that is to say 'Amid all hindrances let us exert ourselves to the utmost to attain to the goal of perfection set before the followers of Christ'; any struggle with dangers, annoyances, obstacles, standing in the way of faith, holiness, and a desire to spread the gospel: 1 Thessalonians 2:2; Philippians 1:30; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7. b. intense solicitude, anxiety: περί τίνος, Colossians 2:1 (cf. Euripides, Ph. 1350; Polybius 4, 56, 4). On the ethical use of figures borrowed from the Greek Games cf. Grimm on Wis. 4:1; (Howson, Metaphors of St. Paul, Essay iv.; Conyb. and Hows. Life and Epistles of St. Paul, chapter xx.; McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia From ago; properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety -- conflict, contention, fight, race. see GREEK ago Englishman's Concordance Philippians 1:30 N-AMSGRK: τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες οἷον NAS: the same conflict which KJV: Having the same conflict which ye saw INT: the same conflict having such as Colossians 2:1 N-AMS 1 Thessalonians 2:2 N-DMS 1 Timothy 6:12 N-AMS 2 Timothy 4:7 N-AMS Hebrews 12:1 N-AMS |
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