### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ergasía**, represented by `{{G2039}}`, is derived from ἐργάτης and describes an **occupation**, and by implication, profit or pains. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term carries a range of meanings, including **craft**, **diligence**, **gain**, and **work**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G2039}}` most often refers to a trade or the financial profit derived from it. In Ephesus, Demetrius the silversmith warns that his **craft**, which brought considerable **gain** to the craftsmen, was the source of their wealth ([[Acts 19:24]], [[Acts 19:25]]). Similarly, the masters of a damsel with a spirit of divination profited from her soothsaying, and their anger was kindled when the hope of their **gains** was gone ([[Acts 16:16]], [[Acts 16:19]]). The term is also used in a moral sense to describe the **work** of uncleanness practiced with greediness [[Ephesians 4:19]], and in a legal context to urge giving **diligence** to settle a matter with an adversary [[Luke 12:58]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of work, craft, and profit:
* `{{G2040}}` **ergátēs** (a toiler; figuratively, a teacher): This is the root word for `ergasía` and refers to the person performing the labor, such as a **workman** approved by God [[2 Timothy 2:15]] or the **labourers** in the Lord's harvest [[Matthew 9:37]].
* `{{G5079}}` **technítēs** (an artisan; figuratively, a founder): This word specifies a skilled artisan or **craftsman**. It is used in connection with Demetrius and the other **craftsmen** whose livelihood depended on their trade [[Acts 19:24]].
* `{{G2142}}` **euporía** (pecuniary resources): This term for **wealth** is presented as the direct result of a successful `ergasía`, as Demetrius stated that "by this craft we have our **wealth**" [[Acts 19:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2039}}` lies in its application to both secular and moral activities, forcing a consideration of their nature and purpose.
* **Worldly vs. Righteous Occupation:** The pursuit of **gain** through a particular **craft** is shown to be a source of conflict with the gospel. The profitability of making silver shrines for Diana [[Acts 19:24]] and the **gain** from soothsaying [[Acts 16:16]] led directly to hostility toward the apostles.
* **The Diligence of Sin:** `ergasía` is used to describe a dedication to evil, where those who are "past feeling" have given themselves over to the **work** of uncleanness [[Ephesians 4:19]]. This frames sin not as a passive state, but as an active, consuming occupation.
* **A Call for Prudent Action:** In contrast, the word also signifies necessary effort. A person is instructed to give **diligence** to be delivered from a legal adversary, highlighting the wisdom in taking pains to resolve matters and avoid judgment [[Luke 12:58]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2039}}` is a multifaceted term that extends beyond simple labor. It encompasses the concepts of one's trade, the resulting profit, and the effort exerted. Scripture uses it to illustrate how a person's **work** or **craft** can be a source of unrighteous **gain** and opposition to God's purposes, a metaphor for the practice of sin, or a representation of the **diligence** required for prudent living.
TRV