ἄθλησις (athlēsis)
athlēsis
struggle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun athlēsis refers to a strenuous struggle or contest, drawing its imagery from the arena where athletes competed for victory. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 10:32, where it describes the difficult trials believers faced when they first embraced the faith.
This word captures more than simple effort; it implies a prolonged and intense conflict, much like a gladiator’s fight or an Olympian’s grueling race. The author uses this vivid athletic metaphor to remind Christians that their initial commitment involved real suffering and public opposition, yet they endured with courage.
By choosing this specific term, the writer highlights the physical and spiritual weight of early Christian persecution. It reminds readers that faith is not passive but requires active endurance against powerful forces, linking their personal history to the broader narrative of steadfastness in Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word athlēsis paints a vivid picture of life as a high-stakes contest. It was not a casual walk but a strenuous struggle, akin to an athlete pushing through exhaustion or a fighter facing a powerful opponent. When the author of Hebrews uses this term, he recalls a time when believers stood firm against public opposition and personal suffering. This imagery reminds us that faith is active, requiring endurance rather than passive acceptance.
For you today, this word offers comfort in your own battles. You are not alone in facing difficult seasons or spiritual resistance. The early Christians endured similar trials with courage, and their example encourages you to keep standing firm. Your current struggles are part of a shared history of steadfastness. God sees your effort and honors your perseverance, knowing that every step forward is a victory in His eyes.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- conflict1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄθλησιν1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 10:32
But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
This verse uses athlēsis to describe the intense public opposition and suffering believers faced immediately after their conversion, highlighting the cost of their initial commitment.