### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **strateía**, represented by `{{G4752}}`, is a term for **warfare**. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its base definition is military service, which is used figuratively in Scripture to describe the apostolic career as a path of hardship and danger.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4752}}` describes a spiritual, not physical, conflict. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle explains that "the weapons of our **warfare** are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds" [[2 Corinthians 10:4]]. This establishes the conflict as being divinely empowered. Similarly, Paul exhorts Timothy to "war a good **warfare**" [[1 Timothy 1:18]], framing the diligent execution of his ministry as a form of spiritual military service based on the prophecies that went before on him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of spiritual conflict:
* `{{G4754}}` **strateúomai** (to serve in a military campaign): This is the verb form of `{{G4752}}`, signifying the action of engaging in war. It is used to describe not warring "after the flesh" [[2 Corinthians 10:3]] and the internal battle of fleshly lusts which "war against the soul" [[1 Peter 2:11]].
* `{{G3696}}` **hóplon** (an implement or utensil or tool...weapon): This word is used for the spiritual "weapons" of the believer's warfare [[2 Corinthians 10:4]] and is also translated as "armour" [[Romans 13:12]] or "instruments" [[Romans 6:13]].
* `{{G2570}}` **kalós** (good...valuable or virtuous): This adjective qualifies the type of **warfare** Timothy is to engage in, described as a "good **warfare**" [[1 Timothy 1:18]]. This links the military metaphor to a virtuous and faithful ministry.
* `{{G4559}}` **sarkikós** (pertaining to flesh...carnal, fleshly): This word provides the direct contrast to the believer's spiritual **warfare**, which is explicitly "not **carnal**" [[2 Corinthians 10:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4752}}` is significant in framing the Christian experience.
* **The Nature of Spiritual Conflict:** The term defines the believer's struggle as a spiritual campaign. The fight is not worldly, and its "weapons" are not physical but are empowered by God for the "pulling down of strong holds" [[2 Corinthians 10:4]].
* **Ministry as a Commission:** The Christian ministry is presented as a serious, disciplined campaign. Paul gives Timothy a **charge** `{{G3852}}` to fight this "good **warfare**" [[1 Timothy 1:18]], implying that serving God requires the focus, endurance, and strategic effort of a soldier.
* **Divine Empowerment:** The effectiveness of this **warfare** does not come from human ability. It is "mighty through **God** `{{G2316}}`" [[2 Corinthians 10:4]], emphasizing a complete reliance on divine power to achieve spiritual victories.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4752}}` is more than a simple word for military service. It is a powerful metaphor for the Christian life and ministry, illustrating the non-physical, divinely empowered struggle that believers face. It frames service to God not as a passive state, but as a disciplined and purposeful campaign that requires faith, endurance, and reliance on God's power.
TRV