Brief Overview of ἀγών (Strong’s G73: Agōn)

ἀγών (agōn):
The Greek noun “ἀγών” (G73) refers to a contest, struggle, or fight. It can denote a physical competition, such as those held in the ancient Greek athletic games, or a metaphorical struggle, such as a moral or spiritual conflict.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀγών (agōn):

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1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: According to Strong’s Concordance (G73), “ἀγών” means “a contest” or “struggle.” This word is used to describe both physical contests, like athletic competitions, and metaphorical struggles, such as those faced in life, particularly in moral and spiritual contexts.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon defines “ἀγών” as “a gathering,” “contest,” or “struggle.” Thayer’s emphasizes its use in the New Testament to signify both literal athletic competitions and figurative battles, such as the fight of faith or the moral struggles Christians face. The term underscores the intensity and effort involved in these contests, whether physical or spiritual.

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

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary highlights “ἀγών” primarily as meaning “a contest” or “conflict.” Vine’s notes its use in the New Testament to describe various forms of struggle, including athletic competitions and the spiritual and moral battles faced by believers. The dictionary underscores the word’s connotation of effort and striving, often in a context of opposition or difficulty.

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

• Meaning: The BDAG Lexicon offers a comprehensive analysis of “ἀγών,” translating it as “contest,” “struggle,” or “conflict.” BDAG emphasizes its application in contexts of physical competitions and metaphorical battles, such as legal disputes or moral conflicts. The lexicon provides examples from the New Testament, showing how the term is used to describe the intense effort and opposition faced in these struggles.

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

• Meaning: The LSJ Lexicon traces the classical usage of “ἀγών,” defining it as “contest,” “struggle,” “assembly,” or “place of contest.” LSJ illustrates its application in various classical Greek texts, where it describes not only athletic competitions but also other forms of conflict, such as legal battles or public disputes. The term often implies a sense of public spectacle and effort.

Summary:
The Greek noun “ἀγών” (agōn) generally means “a contest,” “struggle,” or “conflict.” According to Strong’s Concordance, it refers to both physical contests, like athletic competitions, and metaphorical struggles, such as moral or spiritual conflicts. Thayer’s Lexicon expands on this by highlighting its use in the New Testament to signify literal and figurative battles, emphasizing the intensity and effort involved. Vine’s Dictionary underscores its significance in describing various forms of struggle, noting its connotation of effort and striving. The BDAG Lexicon provides a detailed analysis, emphasizing its application in contexts of physical competitions and metaphorical battles, with examples from the New Testament illustrating the intense effort and opposition faced. The LSJ Lexicon offers a classical perspective, showing its broader application in describing not only athletic competitions but also legal and public disputes, often implying a sense of public spectacle and effort. In summary, “ἀγών” encompasses the ideas of contest, struggle, and conflict, both in physical and metaphorical senses, highlighting the effort and intensity involved in these battles.