middle voice from ἔργον; to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.:--commit, do, labor for, minister about, trade (by), work.
Transliteration:ergázomai
Pronunciation:er-gad'-zom-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2038}}` (ergázomai) is derived from the noun `{{G2041}}` (érgon), meaning "work" or "deed." As a verb, `{{G2038}}` fundamentally signifies "to work," "to labor," or "to toil." Its use in the middle voice often emphasizes the subject's personal involvement in the action, or that the action is performed for the subject's own benefit or with their intimate engagement.
The semantic range of `{{G2038}}` is broad and encompasses several nuances:
* **Physical Labor/Occupation:** It can refer to manual work, a trade, or an occupation, implying effort and exertion.
* **Performing an Action/Deed:** Beyond mere physical toil, it denotes the act of doing, accomplishing, or committing something, whether good or evil. In this sense, it often carries a moral dimension.
* **Effecting/Producing:** It can describe the bringing about of a result, the production of an outcome, or the active influence leading to a particular state.
* **Engagement/Involvement:** It signifies being actively engaged in a task, a ministry, or a particular course of action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2038}}` appears frequently in the New Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Physical Work and Provision:** In [[John 6:27]], Jesus exhorts His listeners not to "work" (ergázomai) for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life. Here, it clearly refers to physical labor for sustenance. Similarly, in [[Acts 18:3]], Paul and Aquila are described as "working" (ergázomai) as tentmakers, highlighting their shared trade. This usage underscores the biblical understanding of honest labor as a means of livelihood.
* **Moral Action and Conduct:** The verb is often used to describe the performance of deeds, both righteous and unrighteous. In [[Matthew 7:23]], Jesus declares to those who claim to have done mighty works in His name, "I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice (ergázomai) lawlessness." Here, it denotes continuous, habitual engagement in evil deeds. Conversely, in [[John 9:4]], Jesus states, "We must work (ergázomai) the works of Him who sent Me while it is day." This refers to performing the divine will and fulfilling God's purposes. [[Romans 2:10]] promises glory and peace to everyone who "works" (ergázomai) what is good, emphasizing ethical conduct.
* **Spiritual Effort and Ministry:** In [[1 Corinthians 9:6]], Paul asks if he and Barnabas lack the right to "refrain from working" (ergázomai), referring to their right to be supported by the gospel. This implies diligent effort in ministry. [[1 Timothy 5:18]] quotes the principle that "the laborer (ergátēs - `{{G2040}}`, related to `{{G2038}}`) is worthy of his wages," often applied to those who labor in teaching and preaching.
* **Faith and its Outworking:** [[James 2:22]] states, "You see that faith was working (synergeō - `{{G4903}}`, a compound of `{{G2038}}` and `{{G4862}}` meaning "to work together") with his works, and by works faith was made perfect." While not `{{G2038}}` directly, the root is present, and the concept of faith *working* is crucial. This highlights that genuine faith is not passive but actively produces corresponding deeds.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun `{{G2041}}` (érgon), "work" or "deed," from which `{{G2038}}` is derived. The close relationship means that understanding the nature of "work" (the noun) illuminates the action of "working" (the verb).
Other related terms include:
* `{{G2040}}` (ergátēs): "worker," "laborer," directly stemming from `{{G2038}}`.
* `{{G4160}}` (poiéō): "to do," "to make," "to create." While `{{G4160}}` is a very broad verb for doing or making, `{{G2038}}` often carries a stronger connotation of effort, toil, or engagement in a process. `{{G2038}}` emphasizes the *exertion* involved, whereas `{{G4160}}` can simply denote the *performance* of an action.
* `{{G4238}}` (prássō): "to do," "to practice." `{{G4238}}` often implies habitual or continuous action, especially in a moral sense, overlapping with `{{G2038}}` when it refers to "committing" good or evil.
Concepts closely associated with `{{G2038}}` are labor, effort, action, deed, occupation, production, and both moral and spiritual conduct.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2038}}` is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Mandate for Work:** From creation, humanity was given the task to "work" and "keep" the garden ([[Genesis 2:15]], though Hebrew, the concept is universal). `{{G2038}}` in the New Testament reflects this inherent human calling to productive activity, whether for sustenance or for God's purposes. Jesus Himself exemplified this, stating He must "work the works of Him who sent Me" ([[John 9:4]]).
* **Human Responsibility and Accountability:** The frequent use of `{{G2038}}` in contexts of moral action highlights human agency and accountability before God. Individuals are responsible for the deeds they "work" or "commit," whether good or evil, and these actions have eternal consequences ([[Matthew 7:23]], [[Romans 2:10]]).
* **Faith and Works in Salvation:** `{{G2038}}` is crucial for understanding the relationship between faith and works in the New Testament. While salvation is by grace through faith apart from "works of the law" ([[Romans 3:28]]), true, saving faith is never barren. It "works" or produces fruit, demonstrating its authenticity ([[James 2:17]], [[James 2:22]]). These are not works *for* salvation, but works *from* salvation, flowing from a transformed heart.
* **Diligence in Ministry:** The concept of "laboring" or "working" in the gospel (`{{G2038}}` and its cognates) underscores the call to diligent, sacrificial effort in spreading the Kingdom of God. It implies active participation and commitment to the mission of Christ.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2038}}` (ergázomai) denotes active engagement, effort, and the performance of a task or deed. Its core meaning of "to work" expands into a rich semantic range encompassing physical labor, the execution of moral actions (both good and evil), the effecting of outcomes, and dedicated involvement in ministry. Throughout the New Testament, `{{G2038}}` underscores the biblical emphasis on human responsibility for deeds, the divine mandate for purposeful work, the essential outworking of genuine faith through good works, and the diligent effort required in Christian service. It encapsulates the dynamic interplay between belief and action, revealing that authentic faith is inherently active and productive in the life of the believer.
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