ἐπαγωνίζομαι
epagōnízomai
G1864 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To engage in intense struggle or exertion on behalf of something; to contend earnestly, especially in contexts requiring effort, defense, or advocacy of a cause. In broader contexts, it denotes fighting or striving resolutely, often for the sake of a belief, principle, or objective.
Semantic Range
to exert oneself for, to struggle or strive in defense of, to contend earnestly for, to advocate or fight for a cause or principle
Root / Etymology
From the prepositional prefix ἐπί (upon, over, for) and the verb ἀγωνίζομαι (to struggle, fight, contend), itself from ἀγών (contest, struggle). The prefix ἐπί adds the nuance of striving 'upon' or 'for' something, emphasizing purpose or direction toward a goal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐπαγωνίζομαι is attested in post-classical and Koine Greek, with its only appearance in the New Testament being Jude 1:3. In this context, it refers to an earnest, active struggle or advocacy on behalf of 'the faith.' The verb carries connotations of contest or competition, drawing on the metaphor of the ἀγών (Greek athletic contest or legal struggle), but the prefix ἐπί emphasizes the direction or purposefulness of the striving. Compared to ἀγωνίζομαι, which can refer to general striving or fighting, ἐπαγωνίζομαι specifically suggests striving 'for' or 'on behalf of' something, often in a defensive or advocacy sense. English translations sometimes obscure this nuance by rendering the word only as 'contend,' but the Greek includes the sense of exertion with focus and purpose. Outside the New Testament, the word is rare, appearing occasionally in Hellenistic literature in contexts of legal, athletic, or ideological struggle.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and ἀγωνίζομαι; to struggle for:--earnestly contend for.
Root Family
ἐπαγωνίζομαι (epagōnizomai) — to strive, to contend, to struggle
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1864-01 |
ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι | epagonizesthai | V PRS MID INF |
to contend | to contend earnestly for | to contend earnestly for | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1864-01 |
Jude 1:3 | ἐπαγωνίζεσθαι | epagonizesthai | V PRS MID INF |
to contend | to contend earnestly for | to contend earnestly for |