### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epagōnízomai**, represented by `{{G1864}}`, is defined as to **struggle for** or **earnestly contend for**. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** of the Bible. The word is derived from the terms ἐπί and ἀγωνίζομαι, implying an intense and focused struggle on behalf of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1864}}` is in [[Jude 1:3]]. Here, the author expresses the need to exhort believers to **earnestly contend** for "the faith." This action is presented as a vital defense of a specific body of truth that was "once delivered unto the saints." The context frames this struggle not as an option, but as a necessity for believers, undertaken with "all diligence" [[Jude 1:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[Jude 1:3]] help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G3870}}` **parakaléō** (to call near, i.e. invite, invoke): The call to "earnestly contend" is issued as a direct exhortation to the believers.
* `{{G4710}}` **spoudḗ** ("speed", i.e. (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness): This word describes the "diligence" with which the author writes, highlighting the seriousness and urgency of the command to contend.
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion, i.e. credence... the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself): This is the object being contended for, referred to as "the faith" [[Jude 1:3]].
* `{{G3860}}` **paradídōmi** (to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit): This word describes how the faith was received; it was "delivered" to the saints, establishing it as a received truth worth defending.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1864}}` is demonstrated in its singular, powerful application.
* **An Active Defense of Faith:** The word `{{G1864}}` portrays the Christian walk as requiring an active, energetic defense. It is not a passive state but involves a conscious "struggle for" the core tenets of belief.
* **A Definitive Faith:** The struggle is for "the faith" `{{G4102}}` which was "once delivered" `{{G3860}}`. This indicates that the contention is over a specific, established, and transmitted body of truth, not a personal or evolving belief.
* **Pastoral Urgency:** The command to **earnestly contend** arises from a context of pastoral "diligence" `{{G4710}}` and "exhortation" `{{G3870}}`. This frames the act of contending as a necessary spiritual discipline for the preservation of "the common salvation" [[Jude 1:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1864}}` is a highly specific term whose single biblical usage carries significant weight. It defines a necessary and intense struggle to defend "the faith." While appearing only once, its placement in [[Jude 1:3]], surrounded by terms of exhortation, diligence, and the delivery of truth, establishes a clear theological principle: the body of faith given to the saints is a treasure that must be actively and earnestly guarded.
TRV