Below is a working definition for the word “hold.”
Joseph Thayer’s Definition:
to check a ship’s headway, i.e. to hold or head the ship
to hold fast, keep secure, keep firm possession of
to get possession of, take
to possess
Part(s) of speech: Verb
James Strong’s Definition: From Greek # 2596 and Greek # 2192; to hold down (fast), in various applications (literally or figuratively): – have, hold (fast), keep (in memory), let, X make toward, possess, retain, seize on, stay, take, withhold.
The reason for this word study concerning the word “hold” is because most pastors, teachers, and Christians do not believe that a Christian is obligated to “hold” (see definition of above) on to anything concerning the Christian life.
We will see as we examine different verses this is not true.
For an example in first Timothy chapter 6 verse 12 Paul tells us we need to “fight the good fight of faith lay hold on eternal life” how much more importance would we want to see in a verse that says that we need to “lay hold on eternal life”.
Also, in first Timothy chapter 6 verse 19 once again the apostle Paul tells us that we need to lay hold on eternal life please read the context to see the importance of this thought.
In the book of Hebrews chapter 3 verse 14 it tells us that “we are made partakers of Christ” notice the word “if” showing a condition “to hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast” for how long? “unto the end” showing clearly the need for perseverance in the believers life.
Please read all these verses in context.
1st_Thess 5:21 Prove all things; HOLD fast that which is good.
2nd_Thess 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and HOLD the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
1Ti_6:12 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.
1Ti_6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay HOLD on eternal life.
Heb_3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we HOLD fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Heb_3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we HOLD the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
Heb_4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us HOLD fast our profession.
Heb_6:18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay HOLD upon the hope set before us: make sure you read from verse one to the end of the chapter.
Heb_10:23 Let us HOLD fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) make sure you read the rest of the chapter.
Rev_2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou HOLDEST fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Rev_2:25 But that which ye have already HOLD fast till I come.
Rev_3:3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and HOLD fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
Rev_3:11 Behold, I come quickly: HOLD that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
These verses show how the Greek word is rendered differently in our King James version of the Bible but still carries the same thought as our definition above shows us.
Let us seize (1) Mat 21:38, stayed (1) Luk 4:42, keep (2) Luk 8:15; 1Co 11:2 (refs2), to take (1) Luk 14:9, he had (1) Joh 5:4, and made (1) Act 27:40, ye keep (1) 1Co 15:2, yet possessing (1) 2Co 6:10
If you have any questions concerning this word study, please give me a call area code 661 619-6434.