ἐπαγωνίζομαι (epagōnizomai)
epagōnizomai
to contend
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb epagōnizomai means to strive or contend earnestly for something. It carries a sense of vigorous effort, suggesting that the object of contention is valuable enough to warrant intense struggle. This word appears only once in the New Testament, located in the closing verses of the letter of Jude.
In Jude 3, the author urges believers to "contend earnestly" for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. The use of this term highlights that preserving core Christian truth is not a passive activity but an active defense. It implies a spiritual battle where believers must vigorously uphold the gospel against opposing influences.
The word combines a prefix with a root related to athletic competition, emphasizing physical and mental exertion. Translators often render it as "contend" or "strive," capturing the urgency of Jude’s warning. This single occurrence underscores the high cost of maintaining doctrinal integrity in the face of internal corruption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epagōnizomai appears only once in the New Testament, right at the start of Jude’s letter. It describes a kind of struggle that is not about winning a prize for yourself, but fighting to protect something precious that has been given to you. The author uses this athletic imagery to show that holding onto the faith requires active effort and vigilance.
This does not mean you need to be aggressive or angry with others. Instead, it means staying alert when false teachings try to creep in. It is a call to stand firm in what Christians have always believed, protecting the truth so that it remains clear for everyone who comes after you.
When you feel confused by conflicting ideas or pressured to change your beliefs, remember this word. You are part of a long line of believers who have guarded this trust. Your steady faithfulness is a form of spiritual strength that honors God and helps others stay grounded in the gospel.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to contend earnestly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι1×
Key Verses
-
Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where the author shifts from writing about salvation to urging believers to actively defend the core truths of the faith against internal corruption.