Topical Encyclopedia
The term "striven" is derived from the verb "strive," which means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, or to struggle or fight vigorously. In the context of the Bible, "striven" often refers to the spiritual and moral efforts of individuals or groups in their pursuit of righteousness, obedience to God, and the advancement of His kingdom.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the concept of striving is frequently associated with the struggles of the Israelites as they sought to remain faithful to God's commandments amidst various challenges. The Hebrew word often translated as "strive" is "riyb," which can mean to contend, dispute, or plead. This is seen in passages where God contends with His people due to their disobedience or where individuals contend with one another.
For example, in
Genesis 6:3, God declares, "My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be 120 years." Here, the striving of God's Spirit with humanity is indicative of His patience and desire for repentance, yet it also underscores the limits of His forbearance in the face of persistent sin.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "agonizomai" is often used, which conveys the idea of striving or struggling, particularly in a spiritual or moral sense. This term is used in the context of the Christian life as a race or a battle that requires perseverance and dedication.
Jesus Himself uses this term in
Luke 13:24, where He instructs, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." This passage emphasizes the effort required to live a life of faith and obedience, highlighting the narrow path that leads to salvation.
The Apostle Paul frequently uses the imagery of striving in his epistles to describe the Christian's spiritual journey. In
1 Corinthians 9:25, he writes, "Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one." Here, Paul likens the Christian life to an athletic contest, where discipline and effort are necessary to achieve the ultimate prize of eternal life.
Spiritual Warfare and StrivingThe concept of striving is also closely linked to the theme of spiritual warfare. Believers are called to strive against the forces of evil, as described in
Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the reality of the spiritual battle and the need for believers to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God.
Striving for Unity and PeaceIn addition to personal spiritual growth, the Bible also speaks of striving for unity and peace within the body of Christ. In
Ephesians 4:3, Paul exhorts believers to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." This striving involves humility, patience, and love, as believers work together to reflect the unity that is found in Christ.
ConclusionThe biblical concept of striving encompasses a range of spiritual and moral efforts, from personal sanctification to communal harmony. It is a call to active engagement in the Christian life, marked by perseverance, discipline, and a reliance on God's strength to overcome the challenges and opposition faced in the pursuit of holiness and the advancement of God's kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. p.) of Strive.
2. (p. p) of Strive.
Strong's Hebrew
8280. sarah -- to persist, exert oneself, persevere... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to persist, exert oneself, persevere NASB Word
Usage contended (1),
striven (1), wrestled (1). have power as a prince.
...Library
The Prodigal's Return
... And I have a man here who is convinced of the unholiness of his life, and he has
striven to reform, not because he thinks reformation would save him, for he...
A Call to the Unconverted
... Hast thou never been disobedient in thy youth? Hast thou never kicked against
a mother's love, andstriven against a father's rebuke?...
The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
... Slander thence hath always been a principal engine whereby covetous, ambitious,
envious, ill-natured, and vain persons havestriven to supplant their...
Evolution in General
... to that of all other things in Nature, "all other things" have that to gain by the
alliance which philosophy and theology for centuries havestriven to win for...
Miracles of Destruction.
... Here was an opportunity in their very path of enforcing, by a visible sign proceeding
from himself, one of the most important truths he hadstriven to teach...
A Christmas Sermon
... IV. To look back upon the past year, and see how little we havestriven and to what
small purpose: and how often we have been cowardly and hung back, or...
The Christian Home
... and make life worth living. According as this ideal isstriven for, and
attained, will the true home be realized. Many a man has...
Christians Proved Innocent by their Contempt of Death.
... because we persuade men to avoid such instruction, and all who practise them and
imitate such examples, as now in this discourse we havestriven to persuade you...
Preface.
... I have at the same timestriven continually to keep in mind the wonderful unity
and simplicity there is in it, as centred in the person of Jesus....
Grundtvig's Hymns
... In the pride of his youth he hadstriven, as he once complained, to win
the laurel wreath, but had found it to be an empty honor....
Thesaurus
Striven (10 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Striven (10 Occurrences). 2 Timothy 4:7 the good strife
I have
striven, the course I have finished, the faith I have kept, (YLT).
...Strived (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp)Striven. Multi-Version Concordance Strived
(1 Occurrence). Romans 15:20 Yea, so have I strived to...
Strife (71 Occurrences)
... strife. (WEB KJV ASV YLT). 2 Timothy 4:7 the good strife I havestriven, the
course I have finished, the faith I have kept, (YLT). Titus...
Calleth (261 Occurrences)
... of Gerar strive with shepherds of Isaac, saying, 'The water 'is' ours;' and he calleth
the name of the well 'Strife,' because they havestriven habitually with...
Weren't (25 Occurrences)
... 24 I have laid a snare for you, and you are also taken, Babylon, and you weren't
aware: you are found, and also caught, because you havestriven against Yahweh...
Removeth (27 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
notstriven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For...
Enlargement (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
notstriven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For...
Embitter (2 Occurrences)
... Paul's First Letter to Timothy (See NIV). Genesis 49:23 And embitter him --
yea, they havestriven, Yea, hate him do archers; (YLT)....
Enlargements (1 Occurrence)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
notstriven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For...
Diggeth (7 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:22 And he removeth from thence, and diggeth another well, and they have
notstriven for it, and he calleth its name Enlargements, and saith, 'For...
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