ἀσκέω (askeō)
askeō
to strive
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb askeō means to engage in disciplined training or persistent effort. It carries the sense of exercising oneself toward a specific goal, implying that spiritual growth requires active participation rather than passive reception.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 24:16. Here, Paul explains his motivation for maintaining a clear conscience before God and others. He describes this moral integrity as the result of constant practice and striving, linking ethical behavior to deliberate spiritual exercise.
The term shares roots with words related to training or gymnastics, suggesting that faith involves rigorous mental and moral conditioning. Translators often render it as "strive" or "exercise," highlighting the intentional effort required to live faithfully. This usage emphasizes that a good conscience is not accidental but cultivated through consistent practice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word askeō appears only once in the New Testament, found in Acts 24:16. Paul uses it to describe his lifelong effort to keep a clear conscience before God and people. It is not about earning salvation, but about the active discipline of faith. Just as an athlete trains for a race, believers are called to exercise their moral and spiritual muscles daily.
This concept reminds us that integrity is built through consistent practice. It is easy to assume that being a good person happens by accident, but Paul shows it requires intentionality. We strive not to earn God's love, which is already given, but to live in a way that honors Him and serves others well.
When you feel tired or discouraged, remember that spiritual growth is a journey of steady effort. You do not have to be perfect today; you only need to keep striving with a sincere heart. This active faith brings peace to your conscience and hope for the future.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strive1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσκῶ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 24:16
In this I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and men.
This is the sole New Testament occurrence, where Paul defines his moral integrity as a result of constant spiritual exercise.