ἐνεργέω

energéō /en-erg-eh'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom ἐνεργής
Meaningto be active, efficient
KJV usagedo, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word energéō, represented by G1754, is a verb that means to be active or efficient. It appears 22 times across 19 unique verses, signifying an active, effective force in operation. It is used to describe something that is mighty in its working or that shews forth its own power.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G1754 is used to describe the activity of various powers, both divine and otherwise. It defines God as the one who "worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" Ephesians 1:11 and who "worketh in you both to will and to do" Philippians 2:13. The same term is used for the Word of God, which "effectually worketh" in believers 1 Thessalonians 2:13. Conversely, it also describes the "spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" Ephesians 2:2 and the "motions of sins" which "did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death" Romans 7:5.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the concept of effective power:

  • G1753 enérgeia (efficiency ("energy")): This noun refers to the operational power or "working" itself. Paul describes his labor as being according to God's "working" which "worketh" G1754 in him mightily Colossians 1:29.
  • G1755 enérgēma (an effect): This word denotes the result or "operation" of the work. Scripture speaks of "diversities of operations" G1755, all originating from the same God who "worketh" G1754 all things in all people 1 Corinthians 12:6.
  • G1411 dýnamis (force; specially, miraculous power): This term for inherent power is often what is being put into effect by G1754. God acts according to the "power (dýnamis) that worketh (energéō) in us" Ephesians 3:20.
  • G2480 ischýō (to have (or exercise) force): This verb describes having strength or availing. It is used to state the outcome of an action, such as in James 5:16, where an "effectual fervent" G1754 prayer "availeth" G2480 much.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G1754 is seen in its application to different spiritual dynamics:

  • Divine Agency: The word establishes that God is the primary actor, the one who "worketh all in all" 1 Corinthians 12:6. This work includes raising Christ from the dead Ephesians 1:20 and enabling the believer's will and actions Philippians 2:13.
  • Supernatural Manifestation: G1754 is frequently tied to supernatural results. In the gospels, "mighty works" are said to "shew forth themselves" G1754 in a person Matthew 14:2. God "worketh miracles among you" not by works of the law, but by faith Galatians 3:5.
  • Antagonistic Powers: The term is not used exclusively for divine power. The "mystery of iniquity" is an active force that "doth already work" 2 Thessalonians 2:7, demonstrating that evil is an operative power in the world.
  • Internal Efficacy: This power is not merely external but is active within believers. It is the Word of God that "effectually worketh" in those who believe 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and the divine energy that works "in me mightily" Colossians 1:29.

Summary

In summary, G1754 moves beyond the simple idea of labor to describe effective, energized action. It is a key term for understanding how power is expressed in the spiritual realm, whether it originates from God, the Holy Spirit, or opposing forces like sin. The word illustrates that divine purpose, human faith, and spiritual opposition are not static concepts but are dynamic, operational forces with real effects.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 3×
  • Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 3×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Middle Participle Accusative Singular Feminine 2×
  • Present Middle Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 2×
  • Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Infinitive 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Genitive Singular Neuter 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Genitive
Possession or source — often "of".
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 19 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in Ephesians (4 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
1
Romans
2
1 Corinthians
2
2 Corinthians
3
Galatians
4
Ephesians
1
Philippians
1
Colossians
1
1 Thessalonians
1
2 Thessalonians
1
James

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