1 Timothy 6:12

Authorized King James Version

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἀγωνίζου

G75

Fight

to struggle, literally (to compete for a prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλὴν

G2570

a good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

ἀγῶνα

G73

fight

properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e., (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστεως

G4102

of faith

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐπιλαβοῦ

G1949

lay hold on

to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αἰωνίου

G166

eternal

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

#10

ζωῆς

G2222

life

life (literally or figuratively)

#11

εἰς

G1519

whereunto

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#12

ἣν

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#13

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἐκλήθης

G2564

called

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

#15

καὶ

G2532

also

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

ὡμολόγησας

G3670

hast professed

to assent, i.e., covenant, acknowledge

#17

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

καλὴν

G2570

a good

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

#19

ὁμολογίαν

G3671

profession

acknowledgment

#20

ἐνώπιον

G1799

before

in the face of (literally or figuratively)

#21

πολλῶν

G4183

many

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#22

μαρτύρων

G3144

witnesses

a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood faith. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?