[Greek] νικάω (nikaō), [Latin] vincere, [Latin] victoria: to conquer, to have the attitude of to just “do it”, to prevail, to overcome, to overpower, to get the victory, to subdue, to gain victory, to come off victorious; Mt.12:29, Mk.3:27, Lk.11:22, Jn.16:33, Rom.3:4, 1Jn.2:13, 1Jn.5:4, Rev.2:7, Rev.3:5, Rev.5:5, Rev.6:2, Rev.17:14, Rev.21:7, Rom.12:21
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term can denote victory or superiority in the physical, legal, and metaphorical sense. This can refer to mortal conflict or peaceful competition. This prevailing notion is demonstrated by an action, by the overthrow of an opposing force, and by a success which is plain to see by all eyes. However, another school of thought states that victory can be achieved without a direct public manifestation of such occurrence. This sense of victory pertains to one’s character and countenance. This could be considered as a hidden victory.
The gods: It has often been claimed that mortals by themselves cannot achieve victory. A god alone conquers, is unconquered and unconquerable. Only divine power by the gods can bring this about. Through history mortals (man) have called upon the gods to seek favor, fortune, and victory. The Greek goddess Nike is shown as a victor on monuments. Nike, most often depicted as having wings, is the goddess of victory (in war and peaceful competition). The Greeks, who worshipped Nike, believed she could grant them the human strength and speed needed to be victorious in any task they undertook. The related Roman goddess was named Victoria
Old Testament: The uses of this term in the Old Testament are found in various and nuanced ways. This term is found in the sense of successes in battles, victories, receiving strength, and upholding moral conduct. A success in the battle with weapons is depicted in 2 Sam.2:26. A success in the battle with words is depicted in 2 Macc.3:5. Scriptural references are made to Isaiah’s victory and the prophets’ victories. Upholding moral conduct is characterized by standing innocent before judgment and striving in good conduct (Psa. 50:4, Prov.6:25). In Hab.3:19 God is the One who gives strength. God’s victory is the only answer one can give to the question of the meaning of evil.
New Testament: Victories in the games are often used as a metaphor for the victories in life. Victories and defeats may be temporary or provisional in life. But Christ has the ultimate victory, when He overcomes evil. Yet, the enemies of Jesus are deluded or fail to recognize the victory of Jesus. Ultimately, evil is overcome with goodness. This promised victory, through His Blood, eschatologically brings forth the new earth and new heaven.
Scripture:
“How can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his property, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.” Mt. 12:29
This is the parable of the vanquished strong man. The strong man is Satan, whom Jesus has tied up and whose house He is plundering. This refers to the Jewish expectation that Satan would be chained up in the last days (Rev.20:2).
“I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” Jn.16:33
Jesus attains the ultimate victory or evil.
“Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good.” Rom. 12:21
God has justified the believers. It will be God who will administer justice. Showing good to your enemies will confound them.
Conclusion:
Nike, victory, invincible
I really had never really considered sports as an important metaphor for struggles, competition, and victories in life. As in life, endurance is needed for the victories and losses that will come ahead.
It is not surprising that the Christian life can be comparable to sports. It has been said that the Christian life is a race faced with obstacles and opponents. Christians must prepare and equip themselves to reach the finish line. Those Christians, who have been martyred, won the ultimate victory in being faithful to Christ. Interestingly, these Christian martyrs’ bones have been called trophies. Not only that, but they also may have obtained some great spiritual endorsements (perhaps sainthood) for a that winning performance in life. So one does not necessarily have to fly high (like a certain basketball player) to achieve that victory.