στρατεύω (strateuō)
strateuō
to battle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb strateuō describes the active life of a soldier, whether in literal warfare or spiritual struggle. In the New Testament it appears seven times, often capturing the disciplined service expected of those under command. Luke records John the Baptist telling soldiers to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14), while Paul uses the image to explain his right to material support from the church (1 Corinthians 9:7).
More frequently, the word shifts to a metaphorical plane, describing the Christian’s inner and outer conflicts. James warns that desires within members wage war against their souls (James 4:1), and Peter urges believers to abstain from sinful passions that fight against the self (1 Peter 2:11). Paul also frames Timothy’s ministry as a good military campaign (1 Timothy 1:18) and describes spiritual weapons for tearing down strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3).
This range of meaning highlights the seriousness of discipleship. It is not a passive state but an engaged, ongoing effort. The word reminds readers that following Christ involves vigilance and endurance, mirroring the dedication of a soldier on duty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word strateuō paints a vivid picture of active service. It describes the life of a soldier who is fully engaged in duty, whether facing physical enemies or inner struggles. This term reminds us that following Christ is not a passive state but an ongoing effort requiring vigilance and endurance. Like a soldier on duty, we are called to focus on our mission and avoid distractions that pull us away from our purpose.
In practical terms, this means guarding our hearts against desires that war against our souls, as James and Peter describe. It also involves standing firm in the truth, using spiritual weapons to tear down strongholds of doubt or fear. This discipline is not about earning salvation but about living faithfully under God’s command. It invites us to find strength in His presence as we navigate the challenges of daily life.
Whether you are facing external pressures or internal conflicts, this word encourages steady commitment. It assures us that our service matters and that God equips us for the fight. May you walk in confidence, knowing that your efforts in faith are seen and valued by the One who calls you to serve.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you may war1×
- warring1×
- war1×
- those being soldiers1×
- serving as a soldier1×
- serves as a soldier1×
- do we wage war,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στρατεύῃ1×
- στρατεύονται1×
- στρατεύεται1×
- στρατευόμενος1×
- στρατευόμενοι1×
- στρατευόμεθα,1×
- στρατευομένων1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:1
Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members?
This verse identifies the root of conflict as inner desires that actively war against a person's soul, highlighting the internal battle aspect of the word.
-
I Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
Peter urges believers to abstain from lusts that wage war against the soul, framing the Christian life as a vigilant stance against internal sin.
-
II Corinthians 10:3
For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh;
Paul clarifies that while Christians live in the physical world, their spiritual warfare does not follow worldly methods or weapons.
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II Timothy 2:4
No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
This verse emphasizes the need for a soldier to avoid entanglement in civilian affairs to remain focused on pleasing the one who enlisted him.