Topical Encyclopedia
The term "strove" is derived from the past tense of "strive," which means to make great efforts to achieve or obtain something, or to struggle or fight vigorously. In the context of the Bible, "strove" often refers to conflicts, disputes, or earnest efforts in both physical and spiritual realms.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, "strove" is frequently used to describe conflicts between individuals or groups. One notable instance is found in
Genesis 26:20, where the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen over water rights: "But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, 'The water is ours.' So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him" . Here, the term illustrates a physical and territorial dispute.
Another significant usage is in
Exodus 2:13, where Moses intervenes in a conflict: "The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting, and he asked the one in the wrong, 'Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?'" . This passage highlights Moses' early sense of justice and foreshadows his future role as a leader and mediator.
New Testament UsageIn the New Testament, "strove" can also refer to spiritual or doctrinal struggles. In
Luke 13:24, Jesus uses the term in a metaphorical sense: "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able" . Here, "strive" emphasizes the earnest effort required to live a life of faith and obedience, suggesting that entering the Kingdom of God requires dedication and perseverance.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of striving in the Bible often carries a dual implication of human effort and divine assistance. While individuals are called to strive in their faith, it is understood within the broader context of God's sovereignty and grace. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of striving in the context of spiritual warfare and the Christian life. For instance, in
Romans 15:30, he urges believers to "strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf" , indicating the communal and prayerful aspect of striving in the faith.
Moral and Ethical DimensionsFrom a moral and ethical standpoint, the act of striving is seen as a necessary component of the Christian life. It involves not only personal growth and sanctification but also the pursuit of justice and peace in the community. The Bible encourages believers to strive for holiness (
Hebrews 12:14) and to contend earnestly for the faith (
Jude 1:3), underscoring the active and ongoing nature of the Christian journey.
ConclusionIn summary, the term "strove" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings from physical disputes to spiritual endeavors. It reflects the human condition of conflict and the call to pursue righteousness with diligence and faithfulness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp.) of Strive.
2. (p. p.) of Strive.
3. (v.) imp. of Strive.
Library
Look not Upon Me Because I am Dark-Colored, Because the Sun Hath...
... CHAPTER I. 5. Look not upon me because I am dark-colored, because the sun hath tanned
me; my mother's childrenstrove against me; they made me keeper in the...
The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours:
and he called the name of the well Esek; because theystrove with him....
Although, Even if There Went Before no Testimonies Concerning...
... Thus while they were faithful even unto death for the truth,strove not by returning
evil, but by enduring, overcame not by killing, but by dying; thus was the...
Ezekiel xiii. 22
... the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising
him life." Where the way of life was broad, theystrove to make it narrow...
The Churches of the East
... Chief among these stands the Church of the Eastern Empire where the Patriarch of
Constantinoplestrove to make himself at least the equal of the Bishop of Rome...
For all the Good Performed by Thee,
... And mocked Thee on that woful day; In vain theystrove against Thee, Lord".... But vain
theystrove against Thee, Lord". Give Thou to them their due reward....
The Vain Machinations of the Arians and Melitians against St....
... [1180] As they possessed great freedom of speech and influence with the emperor,
theystrove for the recall of Arius, with whom they were on terms of concord...
The Leper. Mt 8:23
... Awhile I would have passed for well,. Andstrove my spots to hide; Till it broke
out incurable,.... Till hope and patience ceased? The more Istrove myself to cure,...
A Contest of Hospitality.
... father from his sons, and also we trust that he will share with us our house and
our living." While we said this, and that chief man of the citystrove to take...
For Thy Dear Saints, O Lord
... Alt. For thy dear saints, O Lord,. Whostrove in thee to live,. Who followed thee,
obeyed, adored,.... For thy dear saints, O Lord,. Whostrove in thee to die,....
Thesaurus
Strove (25 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Strove (25 Occurrences). John 6:52 The Jews therefore
strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
...Quarreled (8 Occurrences)
... Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel;
and the son of the Israelite woman and a man of Israelstrove together in...
Korah's (4 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, the elect of the congregation, whostrove against
Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove against...
Nem'uel (3 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, the elect of the congregation, whostrove against
Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove against...
Nemuel (3 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, whostrove
against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove...
Famous (20 Occurrences)
... This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, whostrove
against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove...
Rebelled (61 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, whostrove
against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove...
Eli'ab (19 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, the elect of the congregation, whostrove against
Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove against...
Eliab (20 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, whostrove
against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove...
Dathan (8 Occurrences)
... These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, whostrove
against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when theystrove...
Resources
What is the Septuagint? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is IFCA International? | GotQuestions.orgStrove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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