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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Contest</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/contest.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/1_corinthians/9-25.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/contest.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Contest</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/contents_of_the_ark.htm" title="Contents of the Ark">◄</a> Contest <a href="/topical/c/context_and_setting.htm" title="Context and Setting">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>In the context of the Bible, the term "contest" can refer to various forms of competition, struggle, or conflict, both physical and spiritual. The concept of contest is often used metaphorically to describe the Christian life, spiritual warfare, and the pursuit of righteousness. Old Testament Context The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of physical contests, often in the form of battles or personal struggles. One of the most famous contests is the battle between David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). This account illustrates the theme of faith and divine intervention, as David, a young shepherd, defeats the giant Goliath with God's help. The contest is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it demonstrates God's power over human strength. Another significant contest is the struggle between Jacob and the angel of the Lord in <a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a>. This event, often referred to as Jacob wrestling with God, symbolizes the spiritual struggle and transformation that Jacob undergoes, resulting in his name being changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." New Testament Context In the New Testament, the concept of contest is frequently used to describe the Christian life as a race or a fight. The Apostle Paul often employs athletic metaphors to encourage believers to persevere in their faith. In <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</a>, Paul writes, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize." Here, the contest is the Christian's pursuit of holiness and eternal life, requiring discipline and dedication. Similarly, in <a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a>, Paul reflects on his own life, saying, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." The imagery of a fight or race underscores the perseverance and endurance required in the Christian journey. Spiritual Warfare The concept of contest is also evident in the theme of spiritual warfare. <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a> states, "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 highlights the spiritual contest between believers and the forces of evil, emphasizing the need for spiritual armor and readiness. Moral and Ethical Contests Throughout Scripture, contests also occur in the form of moral and ethical decisions. The account of Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (<a href="/1_kings/18-20.htm">1 Kings 18:20-40</a>) is a contest of faith and truth. Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call upon their god to send fire from heaven, while he calls upon the Lord. The contest reveals the power of the true God and the futility of idolatry. Conclusion The biblical concept of contest encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as a metaphor for the Christian life. It calls believers to engage in the struggle for faith, righteousness, and truth, relying on God's strength and guidance.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (v. t.) To make a subject of dispute, contention, litigation, or emulation; to contend for; to call in question; to controvert; to oppose; to dispute.2. (v. t.) To strive earnestly to hold or maintain; to struggle to defend; as, the troops contested every inch of ground.3. (v. t.) To make a subject of litigation; to defend, as a suit; to dispute or resist; as a claim, by course of law; to controvert.4. (v. i.) To engage in contention, or emulation; to contend; to strive; to vie; to emulate; -- followed usually by with.5. (n.) Earnest dispute; strife in argument; controversy; debate; altercation.6. (n.) Earnest struggle for superiority, victory, defense, etc.; competition; emulation; strife in arms; conflict; combat; encounter.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/73.htm">73. agon -- a gathering, contest, struggle</a> ... a gathering, contest, struggle. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: agon Phonetic Spelling: (ag-one') Short Definition: a contest Definition: an ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/73.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/74.htm">74. agonia -- a contest, great fear</a> ... a contest, great fear. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agonia Phonetic Spelling: (ag-o-nee'-ah) Short Definition: contest, agony Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/74.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/119.htm">119. athlesis -- a contest</a> ... a contest. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: athlesis Phonetic Spelling: (ath'-lay-sis) Short Definition: a contest Definition: a struggling (as ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/119.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/118.htm">118. athleo -- to contend, wrestle</a> ... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: athleo Phonetic Spelling: (ath-leh'-o) Short Definition: I compete Definition: I engage, compete, in an (athletic) contest ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/118.htm - 6k<a href="/greek/75.htm">75. agonizomai -- to contend for a prize, struggle</a> ... Phonetic Spelling: (ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee) Short Definition: I strive, contend Definition: I am struggling, striving (as in an athletic contest or warfare); I ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/75.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/2603.htm">2603. katabrabeuo -- to give judgment against</a> ... katabrabeuo Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ab-rab-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I decide against, condemn Definition: of the umpire in a contest: I decide against, take ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2603.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/1864.htm">1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for</a> ... 1864 (from 1909 , "focused " and 73 , "a contest, competition") -- properly, to (literally, ""), ie with skill and commitment in opposing whatever is not of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1864.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/4865.htm">4865. sunagonizomai -- to strive with</a> ... from 4862 , "identified " and 75 , "agonize, strive") -- properly, fight (agonize) together; "to strive together with, to help (properly, 'sharing in a contest ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4865.htm - 7k<a href="/greek/3823.htm">3823. pale -- wrestling, generally fight</a> ... pale Phonetic Spelling: (pal'-ay) Short Definition: a wrestling, struggle Definition: wrestling, a wrestling bout; hence: a struggle, fight, conflict, contest. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3823.htm - 6k<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7832.htm">7832. sachaq -- to laugh</a> ... root Definition to laugh NASB Word Usage amuse (1), amusing (1), celebrate (2), celebrating (3), hold a contest (1), joking (1), laugh (6), laughed them to ... /hebrew/7832.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/4066.htm">4066. madon -- strife, contention</a> ... brawling, contention, discord, strife. From diyn; a contest or quarrel -- brawling, contention(-ous), discord, strife. Compare midyan, mdan. see HEBREW diyn. ... /hebrew/4066.htm - 6k <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm">7379. rib -- strife, dispute</a> ... Or rib {reeb}; from riyb; a contest (personal or legal) -- + adversary, cause, chiding, contend(-tion), controversy, multitude (from the margin), pleading ... /hebrew/7379.htm - 6k<a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><a href="/library/unknown/recognitions_of_clement_/chapter_xxxv_a_contest_of_hospitality.htm">A Contest of Hospitality.</a> ... Book VIII. Chapter XXXV."A Contest of Hospitality. When Niceta had thus spoken, the old man answered: "You indeed, my son, have ... /.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxxv a contest of hospitality.htm<a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_xii_that_in_our.htm">That in Our Spiritual Contest we Ought to Draw an Example from the ...</a> ... Prolegomena. Chapter XII. That in our spiritual contest we ought to draw an example from the carnal contests. "One who strives in ... /.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xii that in our.htm<a href="/library/adams/hymns_for_christian_devotion/360__the_christians_contest.htm">The Christian's Contest, Rest, and Hope.</a> ... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 360. " The Christian's Contest, Rest, and Hope. 360. CM HK White. The Christian's Contest, Rest, and Hope. ... /.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/360 the christians contest.htm<a href="/library/tertullian/scorpiace_antidote_for_the_scorpions_sting/chapter_vi_but_if_for.htm">But If, for the Contest's Sake, God had Appointed Martyrdoms for ...</a> ... Chapter VI. But if, for the contest's sake, God had appointed martyrdoms for us? But if, for the contest's sake, God had appointed ... /.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter vi but if for.htm<a href="/library/methodius/the_writings_of_methodius_fragments/iv_seest_thou_how_at.htm">Seest Thou How, at the End of the Contest...</a> ... Some Other Fragments of the Same Methodius. IV. Seest thou how, at the end of the contest? Seest thou how, at the end of the contest ... /.../methodius/the writings of methodius fragments/iv seest thou how at.htm<a href="/library/edersheim/the_life_and_times_of_jesus_the_messiah/chapter_xi_the_first_peraean.htm">The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ...</a> ... THE FIRST PER??AN DISCOURSES - TO THE PHARISEES CONCERNING THE TWO KINGDOMS - THEIR CONTEST - WHAT QUALIFIES A DISCIPLE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND HOW ISRAEL ... /.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the first peraean.htm<a href="/library/methodius/the_banquet_of_the_ten_virgins_or_concerning_chastity/chapter_i_the_true_and_chaste.htm">The True and Chaste virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla</a> ... Discourse XI."Arete. Chapter I."The True and Chaste Virgins Few; Chastity a Contest; Thekla. Chief of Virgins. I do accept it ... /.../chapter i the true and chaste.htm<a href="/library/cyprian/the_epistles_of_cyprian/epistle_viii_to_the_martyrs.htm">Epistle viii. To the Martyrs and Confessors.</a> ... themselves you were more and more stimulated to the conflict; bravely and firmly you have returned with ready devotion, to contend in the extremest contest. ... /.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle viii to the martyrs.htm<a href="/library/arminius/the_works_of_james_arminius_vol_2/verse_the_fifteenth.htm">Verse the Fifteenth</a> ... 1. He does not approve of that which he does, neither does he do that which he would, but he does that which he hates.2. The nature of the contest carried on ... /.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/verse the fifteenth.htm<a href="/library/peter/the_writings_of_peter_of_alexandria/canon_viii_but_to_those.htm">But to those who have Been Delivered Up, and have Fallen...</a> ... But to those who have been delivered up, and have fallen, who also of their own accord have approached the contest, confessing themselves to be Christians, and ... /.../peter/the writings of peter of alexandria/canon viii but to those.htm<a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/contest.htm">Contest (7 Occurrences)</a> ... Multi-Version Concordance Contest (7 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:25 But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. ... /c/contest.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/w/war.htm">War (529 Occurrences)</a> ... 2. (n.) A contest between nations or states, carried on by force, whether for defense, for revenging insults and redressing wrongs, for the extension of ... /w/war.htm - 64k<a href="/topical/a/agony.htm">Agony (20 Occurrences)</a> ... Easton's Bible Dictionary Contest; wrestling; severe struggling with pain and suffering. ... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Violent contest or striving. ... /a/agony.htm - 18k<a href="/topical/g/game.htm">Game (11 Occurrences)</a> ... 3. (n.) A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules, for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a game of chance; games of skill ... /g/game.htm - 10k<a href="/topical/d/dispute.htm">Dispute (37 Occurrences)</a> ... 4. (vt) To strive or contend about; to contest. 5. (vt) To struggle against; to resist. ... 7. (vi) Contest; struggle; quarrel. Multi-Version Concordance ... /d/dispute.htm - 17k<a href="/topical/m/match.htm">Match (4 Occurrences)</a> ... 3. (n.) A bringing together of two parties suited to one another, as for a union, a trial of skill or force, a contest, or the like. ... /m/match.htm - 9k<a href="/topical/p/prize.htm">Prize (13 Occurrences)</a> ... 3. (n.) An honor or reward striven for in a competitive contest; anything offered to be competed for, or as an inducement to, or reward of, effort. ... /p/prize.htm - 13k<a href="/topical/q/quarrel.htm">Quarrel (22 Occurrences)</a> ... amity, or obligation; a falling out; a difference; a disagreement; an antagonism in opinion, feeling, or conduct; esp., an angry dispute, contest, or strife; a ... /q/quarrel.htm - 15k<a href="/topical/v/vie.htm">Vie (2 Occurrences)</a> ... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To strive for superiority; to contend; to use emulous effort, as in a race, contest, or competition. ... /v/vie.htm - 7k<a href="/topical/w/winning.htm">Winning (3 Occurrences)</a> ... 2. (a.) Attracting; adapted to gain favor; charming; as, a winning address. 3. (n.) The act of obtaining something, as in a contest or by competition. ... /w/winning.htm - 7k<a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-sweepstakes.html">Should a Christian enter a sweepstakes? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Michael-Satan-Moses.html">Why were Michael and Satan disputing over the body of Moses (Jude 9)? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/heavenly-crowns.html">What are the five heavenly crowns that believers can receive in Heaven? | GotQuestions.org</a> <a href="https://clyx.com/term/contest.htm">Contest: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a> <a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div>Contest (7 Occurrences)<a href="/1_corinthians/9-25.htm">1 Corinthians 9:25</a> But every competitor in an athletic contest practices abstemiousness in all directions. They indeed do this for the sake of securing a perishable wreath, but we for the sake of securing one that will not perish. (WEY)<a href="/2_timothy/2-5.htm">2 Timothy 2:5</a> And if any one takes part in an athletic contest, he gets no prize unless he obeys the rules. (WEY)<a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a> I have gone through the glorious contest; I have run the race; I have guarded the faith. (WEY)<a href="/hebrews/10-32.htm">Hebrews 10:32</a> And call to your remembrance the former days, in which, having been enlightened, ye did endure much conflict of sufferings, (See NIV)<a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a> Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us, every weight having put off, and the closely besetting sin, through endurance may we run the contest that is set before us, (YLT)<a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14</a> Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!" (See NAS)<a href="/job/9-19.htm">Job 9:19</a> If of power, lo, the Strong One; And if of judgment -- who doth convene me? (See RSV)<a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><a href="/topical/c/contest.htm">Contest</a><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><a href="/topical/c/contest.htm">Contest (7 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/continency.htm">Continency (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/i/incontinency.htm">Incontinency (1 Occurrence)</a><a href="/topical/t/temperate.htm">Temperate (6 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/t/temperance.htm">Temperance (3 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/c/contain.htm">Contain (19 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/apocryphal.htm">Apocryphal</a><a href="/topical/g/general.htm">General (9 Occurrences)</a><a href="/topical/a/acts.htm">Acts (271 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/contents_of_the_ark.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Contents of the Ark"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Contents of the Ark" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/context_and_setting.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Context and Setting"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Context and Setting" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>