from ἐνεργής; to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
Transliteration:energéō
Pronunciation:en-erg-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐνεργέω (energéō, `{{G1754}}`) is derived from the adjective ἐνεργής (energēs), which itself combines ἐν (en, "in") and ἔργον (ergon, "work"). At its core, ἐνεργέω signifies "to be in work," "to be active," or "to operate." It denotes a dynamic and effective working, emphasizing the inherent power or efficacy that produces a specific result. Unlike a general verb for "doing," ἐνεργέω carries the nuance of powerful, effectual operation. Its semantic range includes "to work," "to be effective," "to be mighty in," "to produce," and "to accomplish," always implying a potent and often supernatural agency behind the action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐνεργέω appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, where it often describes divine activity. It illuminates the active and purposeful involvement of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
* **Divine Activity:** God's sovereign working is a prominent theme. In [[Ephesians 1:11]], God is said to "work all things according to the counsel of His will." Similarly, [[Philippians 2:13]] states that God is the one who "works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure," underscoring His initiative in human sanctification.
* **Holy Spirit's Operation:** The distribution and manifestation of spiritual gifts are attributed to the Holy Spirit's effectual working. [[1 Corinthians 12:6]] notes that "there are varieties of activities, but the same God who works all of them in all persons," and [[1 Corinthians 12:11]] explicitly states that "one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." This highlights the divine origin and empowerment of spiritual gifts.
* **Christ's Power:** Paul speaks of his own labor being empowered by Christ's working: "For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me" ([[Colossians 1:29]]). This demonstrates Christ's indwelling power enabling ministry.
* **Power in Believers:** The exceeding greatness of God's power is shown to be "according to the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ" ([[Ephesians 1:19-20]]). This same power "is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us" ([[Ephesians 3:20]]).
* **Other Contexts:** The word can also describe the working of sin ([[Romans 7:5]]), the working of faith ([[Galatians 5:6]]), and the effective nature of fervent prayer ([[James 5:16]]). In each case, the emphasis remains on an active, potent, and effectual operation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ἐνεργέω is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key terms:
* ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`): "work" or "deed." ἐνεργέω is the verbal form of being "in work," signifying the actual process or act of working.
* ἐνέργεια (energeia, `{{G1753}}`): "working," "operation," or "power." This is the noun form directly related to ἐνεργέω, often referring to a divine or supernatural power in active operation. For example, the "working of Satan" ([[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]) or the "working of His mighty power" ([[Ephesians 1:19]]).
* δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`): "power," "ability," or "strength." While δύναμις refers to the inherent capacity or potential for power, ἐνεργέω describes the *actualization* or *exercise* of that power. δύναμις is the power available, ἐνεργέω is the power in action.
* ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`): "to do" or "to make." While ποιέω is a general verb for action, ἐνεργέω specifically highlights the effective, powerful, and often internal or spiritual nature of the working.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of dynamic, effective power at work, particularly in the divine realm.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐνεργέω is profound, highlighting several crucial aspects of biblical theology:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Efficacy:** The frequent use of ἐνεργέω to describe God's actions underscores His absolute sovereignty and the unfailing efficacy of His will. God is not a distant or passive deity but an ever-active, purposeful agent who effectively brings about His plans in creation, redemption, and sanctification. When God ἐνεργέω, the outcome is certain and powerful.
* **Source of Spiritual Life and Gifts:** The verb emphasizes that spiritual life, transformation, and the diverse manifestations of spiritual gifts are not human achievements but direct results of the Holy Spirit's powerful operation. This prevents boasting and directs all glory to God, who empowers His people for service.
* **Empowerment for Ministry:** Believers are not left to their own strength in ministry. ἐνεργέω illustrates that effective labor in the Kingdom is a result of Christ's power ἐνεργέω within them, enabling them to accomplish what they could not do by human might alone.
* **Contrast with Futility:** The concept of ἐνεργέω often implicitly contrasts the effective power of God with the futility of human effort or opposing spiritual forces when they operate outside or against God's will. Even sin and deception are described as "working," but their ultimate power is limited by God's overarching sovereignty.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐνεργέω (energéō, `{{G1754}}`) conveys the profound concept of "to work effectively," "to be active with power," or "to operate efficaciously." Rooted in the idea of being "in work," it describes a dynamic and potent action that unfailingly produces a result. In the New Testament, ἐνεργέω predominantly illuminates the powerful and purposeful activity of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, particularly in the distribution of spiritual gifts, the transformation of believers, and the sovereign outworking of God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes that divine power is not merely potential but actual and effective, serving as the ultimate source of all spiritual vitality and accomplishment. This word profoundly shapes our understanding of God as an active, sovereign, and powerful agent in the lives of His people and throughout creation.
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