### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word askéō (`{{G778}}`) carries the fundamental meaning of "to elaborate," "to work on," or "to fashion carefully." Its probable etymological connection to skeuos (`{{G4632}}`, "vessel, implement") suggests an original sense of crafting or preparing something with diligence. From this, the meaning evolves to "to train," "to discipline," or "to practice," implying a sustained and intentional effort. In its New Testament usage, askéō signifies "to strive," "to make it one's aim," or "to endeavor diligently." It denotes a purposeful, active exertion of oneself towards a specific goal, emphasizing self-discipline and persistent application rather than a casual or passive engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word askéō (`{{G778}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 24:16]]**: "In this I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men."
* This verse is part of Paul's defense before Governor Felix. When Paul states, "In this I exercise myself" (ἀσκῶ ἐμαυτόν - askō emauton), he is not speaking of a casual desire but a profound, continuous, and disciplined commitment.
* The object of his striving is a "conscience void of offence" (συνείδησιν ἀπρόσκοπον - syneidēsin aproskopon), which he seeks to maintain both in relation to God (vertically) and to humanity (horizontally).
* The context reveals Paul's deep commitment to ethical integrity and spiritual purity. His "exercising" is a lifelong endeavor to live blamelessly, reflecting his devotion and the high standards of his apostolic calling. It underscores that such moral and spiritual consistency is not accidental but the fruit of deliberate, self-imposed discipline.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **skeuos (`{{G4632}}`):** As the likely etymological root, "vessel, implement," it highlights the concept of "fashioning" or "preparing" oneself, emphasizing the intentional shaping of one's character and conduct.
* **gymnazō (`{{G1128}}`):** "To train naked, to exercise." While gymnazō often refers to physical training, it is also used for spiritual discipline (e.g., [[1 Timothy 4:7-8]]). Both askéō and gymnazō involve disciplined effort, but askéō leans more towards the *aim* or *striving* for a particular state, whereas gymnazō emphasizes the *process* of training.
* **agōnizomai (`{{G75}}`):** "To contend, strive, fight." This word conveys a more intense, often adversarial struggle or contest (e.g., [[1 Timothy 6:12]]). askéō can be seen as the underlying discipline and consistent effort that prepares one for such an agōnizomai (contest).
* **diōkō (`{{G1377}}`):** "To pursue, to run after, to seek after." This word shares the idea of active pursuit and earnest endeavor, similar to askéō in its emphasis on directed effort.
* **spoudazō (`{{G4704}}`):** "To make haste, to be diligent, to exert oneself." This term also speaks to earnestness and zeal in pursuing a goal, aligning with the diligent striving implied by askéō.
### Theological Significance
The singular New Testament use of askéō (`{{G778}}`) carries significant theological weight, particularly in understanding Christian ethics and discipleship:
* **Intentional Righteousness:** Paul's use of askéō demonstrates that a blameless conscience and righteous living are not passive states but the result of active, volitional, and sustained effort. It underscores the call to intentionality in the Christian walk.
* **Holistic Integrity:** The striving for a conscience "void of offence toward God, and toward men" reveals a comprehensive understanding of righteousness. It encompasses both vertical piety (relationship with God) and horizontal ethics (relationships with others), emphasizing that true spiritual maturity involves integrity in all spheres of life.
* **The Discipline of Conscience:** The word highlights the importance of the conscience as a moral compass. askéō describes the ongoing process of cultivating, examining, and maintaining a conscience that is sensitive to divine truth and moral purity, preventing it from becoming seared or defiled.
* **Active Discipleship:** askéō challenges any notion of a passive faith. It aligns with biblical injunctions to "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" ([[Philippians 2:12]]) and to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God" ([[2 Timothy 2:15]]). Christian growth requires continuous, disciplined exertion.
* **Apostolic Example:** Paul's declaration serves as a powerful example for all believers. Even a seasoned apostle found it necessary to continually "exercise himself" in righteousness, demonstrating that spiritual discipline is a lifelong endeavor for every follower of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek term askéō (`{{G778}}`), though appearing only once in the New Testament at [[Acts 24:16]], profoundly conveys the idea of "to strive diligently," "to make it one's aim," or "to exercise oneself" with deliberate and persistent effort. Rooted in the concept of careful preparation and fashioning, its usage in Paul's defense reveals a deep commitment to maintaining a "conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." This highlights that ethical purity and spiritual integrity are not accidental but are the fruit of intentional, disciplined exertion. askéō underscores the active nature of Christian discipleship, emphasizing the continuous and purposeful endeavor required to cultivate a blameless life and a conscience sensitive to both divine and human standards, serving as a model for all believers in their pursuit of holistic righteousness.
TRV