“for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life” 3 Nephi 15:9
Word Origin
Hebrew: Hebrew does not have a single word with an exact etymological parallel to the English word “endure.” Instead, various biblical and modern Hebrew words convey the concept of enduring, with different shades of meaning such as standing firm, carrying a burden, or continuing on. However, the Hebrew word most often translated as “endure” is yakol (יָכֹל). The verb yakol is described in Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon of the Old Testament as able, powerful, and prevailing. Yakol can also be defined as “almighty” or “omnipotent”. It’s a word that elevates, not one that reflects stress.
The Apostle Paul, in the New Testament, perfectly expresses the Hebrew concept of enduring when he wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (1 Timothy 4:7–8).
Other Hebrew words which have been translated as “endure” are more reflective of traditional definitions.
- ‘Aman meaning “to render firm” or “to be faithful, to trust”. The English word “endure” itself is rooted in meanings like “firm, solid, steadfast, lasting, to make hard, hold fast and true” (see Amen: True and Faithful).
- `Amad which conveys the idea of a fixed, upright position, implying readiness, reliability, and responsibility.
- Savlanut means “patience” and is derived from the root s-b-l, meaning “to carry a load,” “to endure,” or “to suffer”.
- Nāśā’ meaning “to carry off, bear”.
- ‘Amar and Kum: These Hebrew words are parallel to the Greek “hypomonen” (to remain under, to stay in place) and means “to stand, to remain, to endure”.
Greek: The Greek word most typically associated with “endure” in the New Testament is hupomenó (ὑποµένω) and literally means “to remain under”. It implies bearing up courageously while undergoing suffering and trials. Another related noun is hupomonē, meaning “patience” or “patient enduring”. Endure has a greater feeling of triumph in the Old Testament and more of a feeling of patient enduring in the New Testament.
It’s noteworthy that “enduring to the end” appears just three times (Matt 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13) in the New Testament, but 26 times in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Highlighting this essential element of the Doctrine of Christ is, apparently, part of the Lord’s restoration.
Enduring to the End
This means remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout one’s life. It is not merely passively tolerating difficult circumstances or “hanging in there,” but an active, continuous process of personal discipline and righteous living following God’s commandments. Enduring to the end is repeatedly and iteratively applying the other elements of the doctrine of Christ, which creates a “powerful virtuous cycle” that helps individuals draw closer to Jesus Christ with each repetition. It requires pressing forward with “steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men”. This principle is critical for staying on the covenant path and ultimately receiving eternal life.
Enduring and Prevailing
President Nelson observed: “With the help of two Hebrew scholars, I learned that one of the Hebraic meanings of the word Israel is “let God prevail.” Thus the very name of Israel refers to a person who is willing to let God prevail in his or her life. That concept stirs my soul!” (“Let God Prevail,” Liahona, Nov 2020). Interestingly, the Hebrew word used for Jacob overcoming the angel is yakol. Specifically, in Genesis 32:28, when Jacob’s name is changed to Israel, the text states he “prevailed” (yakal). Key to enduring to the end is letting God prevail.
Blessings for Enduring to the End
Being an “overcomer” is intrinsically linked to the concept of “enduring to the end,” which involves actively striving, being faithful, and letting God prevail. The Hebrew word for “overcome,” yakol, signifies having victory, being able to prevail, being bold, and possessing understanding. Those who achieve this receive numerous promised blessings, many of which are outlined in the Book of Revelation.
Here are the promised blessings for those who overcome by enduring to the end:
- Eternal Life and Access to the Tree of Life: Those who let God prevail will be granted to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of Elohim, which means to have eternal life. This connects to the original Garden of Eden and the New Jerusalem.
- Protection from the Second Death: Those who endure will not be hurt by the second death. This implies avoiding the lake of fire, which is the fate of the unrighteous.
- Hidden Manna, a White Stone, and a New Name: They will receive some of the hidden manna, and a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.
- Authority Over Nations: The faithful will be given authority over the nations.
- Clothed in White Garments and Name Not Erased from the Book of Life: Those who overcome will be clothed in white garments; and their name will not be erased from the book of life, and Jehovah will confess their name before the Father and His angels. This implies a state of righteousness, as clothing often refers to righteousness.
- Pillar in the Temple of Jehovah with Divine Names Written Upon Them: They will be made a pillar in the temple and God will write His name on them. This signifies a permanent and honorable place in God’s presence.
- Sitting on Christ’s Throne: Those who overcome will be granted to sit down with Christ on His throne, just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne.
- Inheritance as Children of God: They will inherit these things, and God will be their Father and they will be His sons (or children). This signifies receiving the reward of inheritance.
- Blessings of God’s Kingdom: In a broader sense, these blessings encompass the glory, knowledge, thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers that shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ. This includes sharing “all that the Father hath”.
These promises underscore that faithfully enduring to the end, and overcoming life’s challenges, lead to ultimate salvation, exaltation, and eternal life in God’s kingdom.
Elder Robert D. Hales related the following story:
“In 1968 a marathon runner by the name of John Stephen Akhwari represented Tanzania in an international competition. ‘A little over an hour after [the winner] had crossed the finish line, John Stephen Akhwari … approached the stadium, the last man to complete the journey. [Though suffering from fatigue, leg cramps, dehydration, and disorientation,] a voice called from within to go on, and so he went on. Afterwards, it was written, ‘Today we have seen a young African runner who symbolizes the finest in human spirit, a performance that gives meaning to the word courage.’ For some, the only reward is a personal one. [There are no medals, only] the knowledge that they finished what they set out to do.’ When asked why he would complete a race he could never win, Akhwari replied, ‘My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; my country sent me to finish the race.’ (“The Last African Runner”).
“He knew who he was—an athlete representing the country of Tanzania. He knew his purpose—to finish the race. He knew that he had to endure to the finish so that he could honorably return home to Tanzania. Our mission in life is much the same. We were not sent by Father in Heaven just to be born. We were sent to endure and return to Him with honor” (“Behold, We Count Them Happy Which Endure,” (Ensign, May 1998).
Illustration
“But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved” Moroni 9:22
Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s family experience embodies “enduring to the end”.
“My father-in-law, Blaine Twitchell, one of the best men I have ever known, taught me a great lesson. Sister Rasband and I went to visit him when he was nearing the end of his mortal journey. As we entered his room, his bishop was just leaving. As we greeted the bishop, I thought, ‘What a nice bishop. He’s here doing his ministering to a faithful member of his ward.’
“I mentioned to Blaine, ‘Wasn’t that nice of the bishop to come visit.’
“Blaine looked at me and responded, ‘It was far more than that. I asked for the bishop to come because I wanted my temple recommend interview. I want to go recommended to the Lord.’ And he did!” (“Recommended to the Lord,” Liahona, Nov. 2020).
