Meaning
from ago, "to lead," signifies (a) "a place of assembly," especially the place where the Greeks assembled for the Olympic and Pythian games; (b) "a contest of athletes," metaphorically, 1Ti 6:12, 2Ti 4:7, "fight;" Heb 12:1, "race;" hence, (c) "the inward conflict of the soul;" inward "conflict" is often the result, or the accompaniment, of outward "conflict," 1Th 2:2, implying a contest against spiritual foes, as well as human adversaries; so Col 2:1, "conflict," AV; RV, "(how greatly) I strive," lit., "how great a conflict I have." See CONTENTION, FIGHT, RACE. Cp. agonizomai (Eng., "agonize"), 1Co 9:25 etc.
<2,,119, athlesis>
denotes "a combat, contest of athletes;" hence, "a struggle, fight," Heb 10:32, with reference to affliction. See FIGHT. Cp. athleo, "to strive," 2Ti 2:5 (twice).
