στρατεύομαιstrateúomai
to serve in a military campaign; figuratively, to execute the apostolate (with its arduous duties and functions), to contend with carnal inclinations
Greek (New Testament) · G4754
Meanings
used of the general, to make war, do battle, and (chiefly) of the soldiers serving under him, to serve as a soldier: Luke 3:14, 1 Corinthians 9:7, 2 Timothy 2:4. Metaph., of spiritual conflict, to war, make war: 2 Corinthians 10:3, 1 Timothy 1:18, James 4:1, 1 Peter 2:11.
Same root
- στρατιάstratiá · G4756from the base of G4766 (στρώννυμι), as encamped); camp-likeness, i.e. an army, i.e. (figuratively) the angels, the celestial luminaries
- στράτευμαstráteuma · G4753an armament, i.e. (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic)
- ἀντιστρατεύομαιantistrateúomai · G497(figuratively) to attack, i.e. (by implication) destroy
- στρατείαstrateía · G4752military service, i.e. (figuratively) the apostolic career (as one of hardship and danger)
Where it appears
Appears 7 times in the Bible.
- Luke 3:14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
- 1 Corinthians 9:7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk?
- 2 Corinthians 10:3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do.
- 1 Timothy 1:18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles.
- 2 Timothy 2:4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.
- James 4:1 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?
Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.