Brief Overview of ἀγωνίζομαι (G75: agōnizomai)

ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai):
The Greek verb “ἀγωνίζομαι” (G75) generally means “to struggle” or “to contend.” It is used to describe an intense effort or striving, often in the context of a contest or conflict. This term conveys the sense of vigorous struggle, effort, or competition, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀγωνίζομαι (agōnizomai):

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G75), “ἀγωνίζομαι” translates as “to struggle” or “to contend.” The term is often associated with the effort required in a contest or competition, reflecting the exertion involved in striving for a goal or overcoming an adversary.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἀγωνίζομαι” as “to struggle,” “to contend,” or “to fight.” It highlights its use in contexts where an individual exerts effort or engages in conflict to achieve something. The lexicon notes that the term implies an intense or earnest effort, whether in physical, mental, or spiritual realms.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary describes “ἀγωνίζομαι” as meaning “to struggle” or “to contend with” and emphasizes its application in the context of a contest or conflict. Vine’s indicates that the term involves a strong effort or fight to attain a goal, suggesting both literal and figurative struggles.

1. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: The BDAG Lexicon provides a detailed definition of “ἀγωνίζομαι” as “to struggle” or “to fight.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is used to convey a sense of strenuous effort or conflict, whether in athletic competitions, military engagements, or metaphorical struggles in various contexts. It reflects the intensity of effort involved in contending for a prize or overcoming challenges.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

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• Meaning: The LSJ Lexicon defines “ἀγωνίζομαι” as “to contend” or “to struggle.” It describes the term’s use in classical Greek to indicate a vigorous effort or conflict, particularly in athletic or competitive settings. LSJ notes the term’s application in describing the exertion involved in striving towards a goal or in overcoming obstacles.

Summary:
The Greek verb “ἀγωνίζομαι” (agōnizomai) primarily means “to struggle” or “to contend,” reflecting intense effort or striving in various contexts. According to Strong’s Concordance, the term conveys the sense of vigorous struggle or competition. Thayer’s Lexicon expands this by emphasizing earnest effort in both physical and metaphorical conflicts. Vine’s Dictionary highlights its application in contests or conflicts, suggesting both literal and figurative struggles. The BDAG Lexicon provides a detailed analysis, focusing on strenuous effort or conflict in diverse settings, while the LSJ Lexicon notes its use in classical Greek to describe vigorous contention or struggle. Overall, “ἀγωνίζομαι” encompasses the idea of intense exertion and effort in striving for goals or overcoming challenges.