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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ergázomai**, represented by `{{G2038}}`, is defined as "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." It appears **39 times** across **37 unique verses** in the Bible, encompassing a wide range of actions from physical labor and commerce to the performance of righteous deeds or the commission of sin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2038}}` is used to describe various forms of activity and their motivations. Jesus uses it to contrast temporary effort with eternal investment, urging followers to "**labour** not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life" [[John 6:27]]. The concept extends to all of life, with the command, "whatsoever ye do, **do** it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men" [[Colossians 3:23]]. Conversely, the term can describe sinful action, as when Jesus professes He will tell some to "depart from me, ye that **work** iniquity" [[Matthew 7:23]]. The apostle Paul establishes a clear principle for the community: "if any would not **work**, neither should he eat" [[2 Thessalonians 3:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the nuances of work, action, and purpose:
* `{{G2041}}` **érgon** (work, deed): As the noun form from which `{{G2038}}` is derived, it refers to the act or result of labor. The two are often paired, as in the question, "What shall we do, that we might **work** the **works** of God?" [[John 6:28]].
* `{{G2872}}` **kopiáō** (toil, work hard): This word emphasizes the fatigue and hard effort involved in labor. It is used to command former thieves to "**labour**, **working** with his hands the thing which is good" [[Ephesians 4:28]].
* `{{G4020}}` **periergázomai** (be a busybody): This term describes unproductive, meddlesome activity, contrasting with purposeful labor. Paul addresses those "**working** not at all, but are **busybodies**" [[2 Thessalonians 3:11]].
* `{{G4160}}` **poiéō** (to make or do): A broader term for "doing" an action, it is used to describe deeds whose character is made clear through the light, showing "they are **wrought** in God" [[John 3:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2038}}` is profound, touching on themes of faith, sanctification, and judgment.
* **Faith and Righteousness:** The word is central to the distinction between earning salvation and receiving it by faith. For the one who "**worketh** not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" [[Romans 4:5]].
* **Sanctified Effort:** Actions can be sanctified when performed in relation to God. Deeds can be "**wrought** in God" [[John 3:21]], and a good **work** can be **wrought** upon Christ himself [[Matthew 26:10]], framing labor as a potential act of devotion.
* **Personal Responsibility and Reward:** Scripture links work to reward and sustenance. Believers are warned to "lose not those things which we have **wrought**, but that we receive a full reward" [[2 John 1:8]]. For one who **worketh**, a reward is not a matter of grace but of debt [[Romans 4:4]].
* **Ethical and Communal Duty:** Productive labor is presented as an ethical duty. The former thief is to start **working** with his hands "that he may have to give to him that needeth" [[Ephesians 4:28]], and believers are to "**do** good unto all men" when they have the opportunity [[Galatians 6:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2038}}` **ergázomai** is a versatile term that extends beyond simple employment. It captures the essence of human activity, whether it is trading in the marketplace [[Matthew 25:16]], ministering in the temple [[1 Corinthians 9:13]], or committing sin [[James 2:9]]. The word consistently forces a distinction between labor for perishable things and work done for eternal purposes, such as **working** righteousness [[Acts 10:35]]. Ultimately, **ergázomai** illustrates that all human effort—from daily toil to spiritual acts—is performed before God and carries eternal weight.
TRV