### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **érgon**, represented by `{{G2041}}`, refers to **toil, an act, deed, or work**. It appears 176 times across 161 unique verses, indicating its widespread use. The term encompasses a broad range of meanings, from a specific task or occupation to the entirety of a person's actions. It is used to describe both the works of God and the deeds of humanity, which can be righteous, evil, or dead.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2041}}` is used in several distinct contexts. A primary theme is the distinction between "good **works**" and those that are futile for salvation. Believers are described as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good **works** which God prepared beforehand [[Ephesians 2:10]]. These good **works** are meant to be seen by others to glorify God [[Matthew 5:16]]. Conversely, the term describes sinful actions, such as the "unfruitful **works** of darkness" [[Ephesians 5:11]] and the "**works** of the flesh" like adultery and fornication [[Galatians 5:19]]. Scripture explicitly states that salvation is not by **works** of righteousness, but by God's mercy [[Titus 3:5]], and that a person is not justified by the **works** of the law [[Galatians 2:16]]. The word also refers to divine acts, including God's creation of the heavens [[Hebrews 1:10]] and the miraculous **works** of Jesus [[John 14:12]]. Finally, the Bible teaches that all people will be judged according to their **works** [[Revelation 20:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning of `{{G2041}}`:
* `{{G2038}}` **ergázomai** (to toil, work): This verb form describes the act of performing a work or deed. For instance, Jesus states he must **work** the **works** of Him who sent him [[John 9:4]].
* `{{G4160}}` **poiéō** (to make or do): This verb is frequently used to denote the performance of an action or **deed**. It is used in contexts describing those who **do** truth [[John 3:21]] and those who **do** works meet for repentance [[Acts 26:20]].
* `{{G2873}}` **kópos** (labour, toil, weariness): This term often appears alongside **érgon** to emphasize the effort and exertion involved in a task. Paul mentions the "**work** of faith, and **labour** of love" [[1 Thessalonians 1:3]], and God does not forget the "**work** and **labour** of love" shown by the saints [[Hebrews 6:10]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): This word stands in crucial theological contrast to **works**, particularly in matters of justification. Scripture clarifies that a person is justified not by the **works** of the law but by **faith** in Jesus Christ [[Galatians 2:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2041}}` is profound, especially regarding salvation and Christian living.
* **Justification by Faith Alone:** The concept of **works** is central to the doctrine that salvation is not earned. Man is not justified by the **works** of the law [[Galatians 2:16]]. Salvation is "not of **works**, lest any man should boast" [[Ephesians 2:9]]. Instead, it is a gift received by grace through faith.
* **The Evidence of True Faith:** While **works** do not save, they are the indispensable evidence of genuine faith. Faith without **works** is declared to be dead [[James 2:17]]. A believer's good **works** are the fruit of a transformed life, demonstrating the reality of their salvation [[Ephesians 2:10]].
* **The Basis of Judgment:** Scripture consistently teaches that every individual will be judged according to their **works**. God "will render to every man according to his **deeds**" [[Romans 2:6]], and the dead are judged from the books where their **works** are recorded [[Revelation 20:12]].
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The term distinguishes between opposing spiritual realities. Believers are called to cast off the "**works** of darkness" and put on the armour of light [[Romans 13:12]], and the Son of God was manifested to destroy the **works** of the devil [[1 John 3:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2041}}` is a multifaceted term crucial to biblical doctrine. It clarifies that human **deeds** and efforts are insufficient for salvation, which comes by grace through faith alone [[Ephesians 2:9]]. At the same time, it establishes that genuine faith will inevitably produce good **works**, which serve as evidence of a new creation in Christ ([[James 2:18]], [[Ephesians 2:10]]). From the creative **works** of God to the final judgment of human deeds, **érgon** is a foundational concept for understanding the Christian life and God's plan for humanity.
TRV