### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἐνέργημα (enérgēma, `{{G1755}}`) is derived from the verb ἐνεργέω (energeō, `{{G1754}}`), which signifies active, effective working or operation. While the verb denotes the act of working, enérgēma specifically refers to the *result*, *effect*, or *product* of such an operation. It is the "thing wrought" or the "deed done" by an active power, emphasizing the concrete outcome rather than the process itself. Its semantic range includes "operation," "working," and "effect," always pointing to a tangible manifestation of power or activity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word enérgēma appears sparingly in the New Testament, found only twice, both instances occurring within Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, specifically in the context of spiritual gifts and the work of the Holy Spirit.
1. **[[1 Corinthians 12:6]]**: "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all." Here, enérgēma (translated as "operations") refers to the various *effects* or *results* that God produces through His active working in and through believers. The verse underscores the divine sovereignty, affirming that despite the diversity of manifestations within the church, the ultimate source and power behind them is the one God. This highlights God's agency as the orchestrator of all spiritual activity.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 12:10]]**: "To another the working of miracles..." In this verse, enérgēma (translated as "working" or "operations") is linked with δυνάμεις (dynameis, `{{G1411}}`, "powers" or "miracles"). It describes the concrete, observable manifestations of divine power that result in miraculous events. This usage emphasizes the tangible outcomes of the Spirit's power, demonstrating that the Spirit's presence is not merely abstract but leads to real, impactful deeds.
In both contexts, enérgēma consistently points to the divine origin and purpose of these "workings," presenting them as manifestations of God's power and presence within the Christian community.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **ἐνεργέω (energeō, `{{G1754}}`)**: This is the verbal root from which enérgēma is derived. It means "to be at work, to operate, to effect, to work in." While energeō describes the *action* of working, enérgēma is the *product* or *result* of that action.
2. **ἐνέργεια (energeia, `{{G1753}}`)**: Another noun from the same root, energeia refers to the "active power" or "effective working" itself—the inherent force or faculty in action. enérgēma is the *outcome* or *effect* of energeia. For example, energeia is the power, and enérgēma is what that power produces.
3. **δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`)**: Meaning "power, ability, inherent strength," dynamis often denotes miraculous power. As seen in [[1 Corinthians 12:10]], enérgēma can be the concrete *outcome* or *manifestation* of dynamis, indicating the tangible results of divine power.
4. **χάρισμα (charisma, `{{G5486}}`)**: Referring to a "spiritual gift," charisma is the gift itself. enérgēma describes the *way* these gifts operate or the *effects* they produce within the body of Christ, illustrating the dynamic outworking of the Spirit's endowments.
5. **Divine Sovereignty and Agency**: The consistent attribution of enérgēma to God or the Holy Spirit highlights the theological concept that these "workings" are not human-generated but divinely initiated and empowered, underscoring God's ultimate control and active involvement.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of enérgēma is profound, particularly within the Pauline corpus's teaching on the Holy Spirit and the church:
1. **Divine Agency and Sovereignty**: The most prominent theological implication is the emphasis on God's active agency and sovereignty. enérgēma consistently attributes the "operations" or "workings" within the church, especially powerful spiritual manifestations, directly to God or the Holy Spirit. This underscores that these are not human achievements but divine effects, with God as the ultimate "worker" (cf. [[1 Corinthians 12:6]]).
2. **Manifestation of God's Power**: enérgēma highlights the tangible and observable outcomes of God's active presence. It moves beyond abstract notions of divine power to concrete demonstrations, such as miracles ([[1 Corinthians 12:10]]). These effects serve as compelling evidence of God's ongoing work in the world and among His people, demonstrating His reality and active involvement.
3. **Unity in Diversity**: In [[1 Corinthians 12:6]], the "diversities of operations" are explicitly linked to "the same God who works all in all." This crucial theological point affirms that while the Holy Spirit produces varied effects and manifestations among believers, there is a singular divine source and purpose behind them. This contributes to the unity of the body of Christ, as all diverse workings ultimately flow from one God for one collective purpose.
4. **Purpose of Spiritual Gifts**: The "workings" described by enérgēma are presented as instrumental in the edification and effective functioning of the church. They are not given for personal aggrandizement but are distributed by the Spirit for the common good, demonstrating God's equipping of His people for ministry, witness, and the building up of the community of faith.
### Summary
enérgēma (G1755) is a Greek noun derived from ἐνεργέω (energeō, `{{G1754}}`), which precisely denotes the *result*, *effect*, or *product* of an active operation. Unlike its root verb or the related noun ἐνέργεια (energeia, `{{G1753}}`), which refer to the act or power of working, enérgēma focuses on the tangible outcome or manifestation. In its limited but significant New Testament occurrences, exclusively found in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians ([[1 Corinthians 12:6]], [[1 Corinthians 12:10]]), it consistently describes the diverse "operations" or "workings" that are attributed to God or the Holy Spirit. These "effects" are the concrete manifestations of divine power, such as the distribution of spiritual gifts or the performance of miracles. Theologically, enérgēma powerfully affirms the divine agency and sovereignty behind all effective work in the church, highlighting God's active presence and the observable outcomes of His power, all serving to build up the body of Christ while maintaining unity in diversity.
TRV