ἀθλέω
athléō
G118 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To participate in a contest or competition, especially by exerting oneself according to the rules; to engage in athletic struggle or compete; by extension, to strive earnestly for a goal, especially with disciplined effort and perseverance. In figurative contexts, can mean 'to struggle' or 'to persevere' in pursuit of an objective, often with a focus on persistence, discipline, and effort required.
Semantic Range
to engage in athletic competition, to participate in public games, to strive or persevere under challenge, to struggle with discipline toward a goal
Root / Etymology
From the root ἀθλ- (athl-) meaning 'contest, competition,' related to ἆθλος (athlos, 'contest'), from which English 'athlete' is ultimately derived.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀθλέω referred specifically to participating in athletic contests, such as those held at Greek games (Olympic, Pythian, etc.), emphasizing struggle, exertion, and disciplined practice. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods—including the Koine Greek found in the New Testament—the term developed broader metaphorical uses. In the New Testament (see 2 Timothy 2:5), it denotes striving or struggling, often with a moral or spiritual dimension, and the importance of adherence to rules or discipline is sometimes highlighted. The Septuagint uses related forms sparingly, typically in settings of great effort or valor. This verb conveys not only the act of competition, but also the discipline, effort, and endurance required for success, a nuance sometimes missed by simplistic translations like 'strive' or 'compete.' The term reflects a cultural value placed on integrity in struggle, whether in literal contests or metaphorical/symbolic striving.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (a contest in the public lists); to contend in the competitive games:--strive.
Root Family
ἀθλέω (athleō) — to compete, to struggle, to contend
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G118-01 |
ἀθλῇ | athle | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
competes | may compete | may compete | 1 |
G118-02 |
ἀθλήσῃ | athlese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he competes | he may compete | he may compete | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G118-01 |
2 Timothy 2:5 | ἀθλῇ | athle | V PRS ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
competes | may compete | may compete |
G118-02 |
2 Timothy 2:5 | ἀθλήσῃ | athlese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he competes | he may compete | he may compete |