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.
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.
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.
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.
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