συναγωνίζομαι (sunagōnizomai)
sunagōnizomai
to struggle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sunagōnizomai describes a shared struggle or contest, literally meaning to strive together with someone. It combines a prefix indicating union with a root related to athletic competition, suggesting that the effort is not solitary but communal. In this context, it implies active partnership and mutual support in facing a common challenge.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 15:30, where Paul urges believers to "strive together" with him in prayer. The usage highlights that spiritual warfare or ministry is not meant to be borne alone; it requires the collective intercession of the community. Translators often render this as "contend together" or "join with me in your prayers," emphasizing the intensity and unity of the request.
The theological weight here lies in the concept of shared burden. By using a term rooted in physical contest, Paul conveys that prayer is an active, vigorous engagement rather than a passive wish. It frames the Christian life as a team effort, where the strength of the group contributes to the endurance of the individual leader.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sunagōnizomai paints a vivid picture of spiritual life as a shared athletic contest. It suggests that we are not meant to run our race in isolation. Instead, we are called to strive together with others, lending our strength to those who feel weary and drawing courage from their endurance. This communal effort transforms prayer from a private duty into a powerful, united front against the challenges we face.
In Romans 15:30, Paul asks believers to engage in this intense cooperation on his behalf. He does not ask for gentle wishes but for active participation in spiritual warfare. This reminds us that our prayers carry weight when offered in unity. When we join hands with fellow believers, we reflect the body of Christ working together, supporting one another through the love of the Spirit.
May you find encouragement in knowing that your struggles are never solitary. You have a community ready to stand with you, striving in prayer and love. Let this truth bring comfort as you face your own battles, trusting that God hears the united cries of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to strive together with1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συναγωνίσασθαί1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 15:30
Now I beg you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,
This is the only New Testament occurrence where Paul uses this term to describe active, communal intercession for his ministry.