ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai)
agōnizomai
to struggle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agōnizomai describes a strenuous struggle or contest, drawing its imagery from the athletic arena where athletes fought for a prize. In the New Testament, it appears in only eight verses, carrying a sense of intense effort against resistance. Jesus uses it to describe the narrow path that requires fighting to enter (Luke 13:24), while Paul applies it to his own spiritual labor and the hard fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). The word implies more than passive endurance; it suggests active, vigorous engagement with difficulties.
Its root connects to the Greek word for a contest or assembly, agōn. Thayer notes that this background highlights the physical and mental exertion involved. Paul uses the term metaphorically in Colossians to describe his suffering on behalf of the church (Colossians 1:29), showing that spiritual growth often involves a similar kind of disciplined struggle. Translators typically render it as "strive" or "fight," capturing the idea of striving with zeal for a specific goal rather than merely surviving.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agōnizomai paints a vivid picture of spiritual life as an active contest rather than a passive waiting room. In the ancient Greek world, athletes trained with intense discipline to win a prize that would eventually fade. This verb captures that same kind of focused effort, reminding us that faith requires our full engagement. It is not about earning salvation through works, but about striving with purpose toward the goals God has set before us.
When we face difficulties or feel spiritually stagnant, this word offers a fresh perspective. It encourages us to view challenges as part of a meaningful struggle, much like Paul’s description of laboring according to God’s power working within him. Instead of merely enduring hardship, we are invited to fight the good fight of faith with hope and determination.
Ultimately, this struggle is supported by divine strength. We do not strive alone; the same power that raised Christ from the dead works in us. This truth transforms our efforts from exhausting burdens into joyful participation in God’s plan, giving us confidence as we pursue eternal life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were fighting1×
- struggling1×
- striving1×
- strive,1×
- is striving1×
- do strive1×
- do fight1×
- I have fought,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγωνιζόμενος3×
- ἠγώνισμαι,1×
- ἠγωνίζοντο1×
- ἀγωνίζου1×
- ἀγωνίζεσθε1×
- ἀγωνιζόμεθα,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
Jesus uses this term to emphasize that entering the kingdom requires active effort and determination rather than casual interest.
-
I Timothy 6:12
Fight 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.
Paul commands believers to actively engage in the spiritual battle, highlighting the personal responsibility involved in maintaining faith.
-
Colossians 1:29
for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily.
This verse connects human striving directly to divine empowerment, showing that our labor is fueled by God's mighty working within us.