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Be diligent (4704) (spoudazo form spoude = haste) conveys the idea hastening to do something with the implication of associated energy or with intense effort and motivation. It suggest zealous concentration and diligent effort.
Spoudazo speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward the realization of that purpose.
Spoudazo is found 11 times in the (Gal; Ep; 1Th; 2Ti 3x; Titus; Heb; 2 Peter 3x) and is translated: diligent, 6; eager, 2; make every effort, 3.
Note that Peter uses this verb and the corresponding noun (spoude) (Click for in depth study of spoude) more than any other NT book. Ask yourself "Why"? What is the problem looming on the "spiritual horizon"?
Spoudazo is used in the papyri in such senses as “do your best, take care, hurry on the doing of something.”
Spoudazo is marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application. The idea is give maximum effort, do your best, spare no effort, hurry on, be eager! Hasten to do a thing, exert yourself, endeavour to do it. It means not only to be willing to do with eagerness, but to follow through and make diligent effort. Give your utmost for His highest!
In other words spoudazo does not stop with affecting one's state of mind, but also affects one's activity.
Spoudazo conveys the idea of exertion. It means to be conscientious, zealous and earnest in discharging a duty or obligation.
The verb speaks of intensity of purpose followed by intensity of effort toward the realization of that purpose.
To be diligent is to exert steady, earnest, and energetic effort and suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit. The idea is careful and persevering in carrying out tasks or duties. It means to be assiduous (marked by careful unremitting attention or persistent application).
Spoudazo basically means to make haste, and from that come the meanings of zeal and diligence. One commentator describes it as a holy zeal that demands full dedication.
Wuest says that spoudazo means
"to make haste, do one’s best, take care, desire. The idea of making haste, being eager, giving diligence, and putting forth effort are in the word. The word speaks of intense effort and determination." (Wuest, K. S. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: Studies in the Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament: Grand Rapids: Eerdmans)
Peter is saying I will be in a hurry, make haste, be in earnest, concentrate my energy on the achievement of the goal to stir you up. Peter knew that he would soon die, so he wanted to take care of his spiritual responsibilities before it was too late. You and I do not know when we will die, so we had better start being diligent today!
Here are the 11 uses of spoudazo in the NT (click for context)
Galatians 2:10 remember the poor-- the very thing I also was eager to do.
Ephesians 4:3 (note) being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit
1Thessalonians 2:17 (note) were all the more eager with great desire to see your face.
2 Timothy 2:15 (note) Be diligent (aorist imperative) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed handling accurately the word of truth
2 Timothy 4:9 (note) Make every effort (aorist imperative) to come to me soon;
2 Timothy 4:21 (note) Make every effort (aorist imperative) to come before winter.
Titus 3:12 (note) Make every effort (aorist imperative) to come to me at Nicopolis,
Hebrews 4:11 (note) Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest,
2 Peter 1:10 (note) Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent (aorist imperative = Do this now! Command can convey a sense of urgency) to make certain about His calling (see klesis) and choosing (ekloge ~ election) you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
2 Peter 1:15 (note) And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure
2 Peter 3:14 (note) Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent (aorist imperative) to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless
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