from ἐπί and ἀγωνίζομαι; to struggle for:--earnestly contend for.
Transliteration:epagōnízomai
Pronunciation:ep-ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb epagōnízomai (`{{G1864}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition epí (`{{G1909}}`, meaning "upon," "for," "against," or intensifying) and the verb agōnízomai (`{{G75}}`, "to contend for a prize," "to struggle," "to fight," "to agonize"). The root agōnízomai itself evokes the imagery of an athletic contest, such as wrestling or racing, implying intense effort, struggle, and determination to achieve a victory or defend a position.
When epí is prefixed, it intensifies the action and often directs it *for* a specific purpose or object. Thus, epagōnízomai signifies an exceptionally strenuous, purposeful, and earnest struggle or contention. It is not a passive or half-hearted effort, but a vigorous, all-out exertion, a resolute engagement in a spiritual or moral battle. The nuance suggests a struggle *in defense of* or *on behalf of* something precious.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb epagōnízomai (`{{G1864}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle of Jude:
* **[[Jude 1:3]]**: "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
In this singular, yet profoundly significant, occurrence, Jude addresses believers who are facing the insidious threat of false teachers who have "crept in unnoticed" (v. 4). These individuals were perverting the grace of God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ. Jude's original intention was to write about the "common salvation," a theme of unity and shared blessing. However, the pressing danger of doctrinal corruption compelled him to pivot, urging his readers instead to "epagōnízomai for the faith."
The phrase "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" is crucial. "The faith" here refers not merely to personal belief, but to the objective body of Christian truth, the revealed doctrine and tenets of the gospel. The phrase "once for all delivered" (ἀπαξ παραδοθείσῃ, *hapax paradotheisē*) underscores its finality, completeness, and unchangeable nature. It is a divine deposit, a sacred trust.
Therefore, Jude's command to "contend earnestly" is a call to vigorous, active, and vigilant defense of this unalterable truth against all forms of error and compromise. It implies intellectual engagement, spiritual discernment, and a refusal to yield ground to those who would distort the gospel or lead believers astray. It is a struggle for doctrinal purity and integrity within the church, essential for preserving the true nature of salvation and the character of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of epagōnízomai (`{{G1864}}`) is rich with terms related to struggle, conflict, and perseverance, often drawing from athletic imagery:
* agōnízomai (`{{G75}}`): The root verb, meaning "to contend," "to strive," "to fight." This word is used elsewhere to describe Paul's spiritual labor ([[Colossians 1:29]]), the Christian's earnest striving to enter God's rest ([[Luke 13:24]]), or the good fight of faith ([[1 Timothy 6:12]]).
* agṓn (`{{G73}}`): The noun form, meaning "a contest," "a struggle," "a conflict." It appears in contexts like Paul's "great struggle" for the Colossians ([[Colossians 2:1]]) or the "struggle" of suffering for the gospel ([[Philippians 1:30]]).
* páthēma (`{{G3804}}`): Suffering or affliction, often endured in the context of spiritual struggle.
* hupomonḗ (`{{G5281}}`): Endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, a quality essential for sustained contention.
* stadios (`{{G4712}}`): A stadium or race-course, a place of contest, illustrating the athletic metaphor.
* palē (`{{G3823}}`): Wrestling, as seen in [[Ephesians 6:12]] where believers wrestle not against flesh and blood, but spiritual forces.
The concept of "spiritual warfare" is inherently linked, as the earnest contending for the faith is part of the broader conflict against evil and deception. It also relates to the importance of doctrinal orthodoxy, the preservation of truth, and the active role believers must play in safeguarding the integrity of the gospel.
### Theological Significance
The command to epagōnízomai (`{{G1864}}`) for the faith carries profound theological significance:
1. **The Inviolability of "The Faith":** The phrase "once for all delivered" underscores that the core tenets of Christian belief are not subject to human revision, cultural adaptation, or progressive reinterpretation. They are a fixed, divine revelation, a non-negotiable standard against which all teaching must be measured. This establishes the authority and immutability of God's revealed truth.
2. **The Reality of Spiritual Conflict:** The necessity of "earnest contending" highlights that the church and individual believers are constantly engaged in a spiritual battle. This struggle is not merely against external persecution but, crucially, against internal corruption through false teaching and moral compromise. Truth is always under assault, demanding vigilant defense.
3. **The Believer's Active Responsibility:** Christians are not called to be passive recipients or complacent spectators of truth. Instead, they are entrusted with the sacred duty to actively guard, defend, and preserve the "faith." This involves understanding doctrine, discerning error, and speaking truth with conviction and love. It is a corporate responsibility, calling the entire community of saints to vigilance.
4. **The Link Between Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy:** Jude's context explicitly links false teaching to ungodly living (e.g., "perverting the grace of our God into sensuality," [[Jude 1:4]]). The struggle for sound doctrine is not merely an intellectual exercise but is intrinsically tied to holy living. Error in belief invariably leads to error in conduct. Therefore, contending for the faith is contending for the very character and holiness of God's people.
5. **The Urgency of Discipleship:** The intensity of epagōnízomai conveys a sense of urgency. The threat of apostasy and doctrinal drift is serious and immediate, requiring a robust and unyielding response. This calls for believers to be well-grounded in truth and prepared to defend it with spiritual fervor.
### Summary
The Greek verb epagōnízomai (`{{G1864}}`) powerfully conveys the concept of an intense, strenuous, and purposeful struggle, akin to an athlete competing for a prize. Its singular occurrence in [[Jude 1:3]] serves as a critical injunction for believers: to "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."
This command underscores the preciousness and unchangeable nature of revealed Christian truth, which is a divine deposit entrusted to the church. It highlights the ongoing spiritual conflict against false teaching and doctrinal corruption that threatens the purity of the gospel and the holiness of God's people. The call to epagōnízomai is a summons to active, vigilant, and resolute defense of this truth, demanding intellectual discernment, spiritual fortitude, and a refusal to compromise. It is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, ensuring the integrity of the faith for current and future generations.
TRV