In the context of the Bible, the term "strivers" can be understood as those who exert significant effort or struggle in pursuit of a goal, often in the spiritual or moral realm. The concept of striving is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the human endeavor to live in accordance with God's will, to overcome sin, and to pursue righteousness.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently depicts the life of faith as a journey requiring perseverance and effort. The patriarch Jacob is a quintessential example of a "striver." In Genesis 32:24-28, Jacob wrestles with a divine being until daybreak, refusing to let go until he receives a blessing. This encounter is emblematic of spiritual striving, as Jacob's persistence leads to his transformation and the bestowal of a new name, Israel, meaning "he struggles with God."

The Psalms also reflect the theme of striving, often portraying the psalmist's struggle against enemies, sin, and personal despair. Psalm 119:10 expresses a heartfelt striving for obedience: "With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, striving is closely associated with the Christian life and the pursuit of holiness. Jesus Himself speaks of the narrow path that requires effort to enter. In Luke 13:24 , He admonishes, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able."

The Apostle Paul frequently uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life as a race or contest requiring discipline and perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 , 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. Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable."

Paul's exhortation to the Philippians further emphasizes the importance of striving in the Christian life. In Philippians 3:13-14 , he declares, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

Theological Implications

Theologically, striving is not about earning salvation through works but about responding to God's grace with a life of active faith. The believer's striving is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables them to pursue righteousness and resist sin. This is evident in Paul's letter to the Romans, where he discusses the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit (Romans 7:21-25).

Striving also involves communal aspects, as believers are called to strive together for the faith of the gospel. In Philippians 1:27 , Paul urges the church, "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel."

Practical Application

For Christians today, the concept of striving serves as a reminder of the active nature of faith. It calls believers to engage in spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, study of Scripture, and fellowship, as means of growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord. Striving also involves resisting the temptations of the world and seeking to live a life that reflects the character of Christ.

In summary, "strivers" in the biblical sense are those who diligently pursue a life of faith, empowered by God's grace, and committed to the journey of sanctification.

Of the Praise and Might of Charity: and of Forsaking the World ...
... mouth, or deed, defile charity. In this the strivers with sin joy; in this
the overcomers are crowned. Truly ilk Christian is imperfect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xviii of the praise.htm

The Same which Paul Says, is Said by Christ in Other Words...
... this? It is because Christ himself is the one door into life. Here the strivers
mentioned by Christ, and those which St. Paul calls ...
/.../address 224 0 0 the same which.htm

Paul's Estimate of Himself
... I venture to affirm that there is no power known, either to thinkers, or
philanthropists, or doctrinaires, or strivers after excellence in the world"no power ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/pauls estimate of himself.htm

Because of his Importunity
... Oh! why is it that so many of God's children have no desire for this
honour"being princes of God, strivers with God, and prevailing? ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iv because of his.htm

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
... Just pause and think what that means. And will you still doubt whether God is able
to make you "strivers with God," princes who prevail with Him? ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xiii paul a pattern.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

Strivers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strivers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 35:1 By David. Strive,
Jehovah, with my strivers, fight with my fighters, (YLT). ...
/s/strivers.htm - 6k

Fighters (12 Occurrences)
... three great fighters. (BBE). Psalms 35:1 By David. Strive, Jehovah, with
my strivers, fight with my fighters, (YLT). Jeremiah 46:21 ...
/f/fighters.htm - 9k

Striver (2 Occurrences)

/s/striver.htm - 7k

Strives (4 Occurrences)

/s/strives.htm - 7k

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