middle voice from the base of στρατιά; to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations:--soldier, (go to) war(-fare).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **strateúomai**, represented by `{{G4754}}`, means to serve in a military campaign. It appears **9 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, its meaning extends to executing the duties of the apostolate or contending with carnal inclinations, establishing the concept of life as a form of **warfare**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G4754}}` refers to the profession of a **soldier**. In Luke's Gospel, soldiers ask John the Baptist for instruction on ethical conduct, and he tells them to be content with their wages [[Luke 3:14]]. Paul also uses it literally when asking who goes to **warfare** at their own expense, comparing ministry to the work of a soldier who is owed his rations [[1 Corinthians 9:7]]. Figuratively, the word describes an internal, spiritual struggle. James asks about the source of conflicts, identifying them as lusts that **war** within the body's members [[James 4:1]]. Similarly, Peter urges believers to abstain from fleshly lusts which **war** against the soul [[1 Peter 2:11]]. The term also defines the focused nature of Christian ministry, as Paul instructs Timothy to **war** a good warfare [[1 Timothy 1:18]] and states that believers do not **war** after the flesh [[2 Corinthians 10:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of this spiritual conflict:
* `{{G4752}}` **strateía** (military service, i.e. (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger):--warfare): This noun describes the campaign itself. Paul uses it to encourage Timothy, telling him to use prophecy to **war** a good **warfare** [[1 Timothy 1:18]].
* `{{G4171}}` **pólemos** (warfare (literally or figuratively; a single encounter or a series):--battle, fight, war): This term for **war** is used alongside "fightings" to describe the conflicts that arise from lusts which **war** in the members [[James 4:1]].
* `{{G1707}}` **emplékō** (to entwine, i.e. (figuratively) involve with:--entangle (in, self with)): This word describes what someone engaged in warfare must avoid. Paul states that no one who **warreth** entangles himself with the affairs of this life [[2 Timothy 2:4]].
* `{{G3800}}` **opsṓnion** (rations for a soldier, i.e. (by extension) his stipend or pay:--wages): This refers to a soldier's pay. It is used in the context of literal **soldiers** being content with their **wages** [[Luke 3:14]] and figuratively for Paul's right to be supported in his ministry [[1 Corinthians 9:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4754}}` is significant, framing the Christian experience as an active engagement in conflict.
* **The Internal Conflict:** The word vividly portrays the believer's inner struggle. It is not a passive existence but an active **war** against lusts `{{G2237}}` that battle within our very members `{{G3196}}` and against the soul `{{G5590}}` itself ([[James 4:1]], [[1 Peter 2:11]]).
* **The Apostolic Mission:** `{{G4754}}` elevates the work of ministry to a spiritual campaign. A Christian leader must **war** a good warfare `{{G4752}}`, guided by prophecy and a charge `{{G3852}}` given to them [[1 Timothy 1:18]]. This warfare is explicitly not "after the flesh" [[2 Corinthians 10:3]].
* **The Dedicated Soldier:** The life of a believer is likened to that of a soldier who must remain focused. To please the one who has chosen him to be a soldier `{{G4758}}`, a man that **warreth** `{{G4754}}` must not entangle himself `{{G1707}}` with the daily affairs of life [[2 Timothy 2:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4754}}` transforms the concept of a military campaign into a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. It encompasses both the internal battle against sin and the external, disciplined execution of apostolic duty. The term moves beyond a literal definition of a **soldier** to illustrate that faith requires active engagement, strategic focus, and a willingness to contend for spiritual principles, just as a soldier contends in a physical **war**.
TRV