### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katergázomai**, represented by `{{G2716}}`, means to **work fully** or **accomplish**. It appears 26 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition implies finishing or fashioning something to completion, and it is often translated as to **perform**, to **cause**, or to **work out**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2716}}` is used to describe a process of cause and effect in the spiritual life. For example, **tribulation** `{{G2347}}` is said to **worketh** `{{G2716}}` **patience** `{{G5281}}` [[Romans 5:3]], and godly **sorrow** `{{G3077}}` **worketh** `{{G2716}}` **repentance** `{{G3341}}` unto **salvation** `{{G4991}}` [[2 Corinthians 7:10]]. Believers are commanded to actively **work out** `{{G2716}}` their own salvation with **fear** `{{G5401}}` and **trembling** `{{G5156}}` [[Philippians 2:12]]. The term can also carry negative results, as the **law** `{{G3551}}` **worketh** `{{G2716}}` **wrath** `{{G3709}}` [[Romans 4:15]], and **sin** `{{G266}}` is described as **working** `{{G2716}}` death [[Romans 7:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the actions and outcomes associated with `{{G2716}}`:
* `{{G5281}}` **hypomonḗ**: This word for **patience** or cheerful endurance is presented as a direct result that `{{G2716}}` accomplishes. The trying of faith and tribulation are both said to **worketh** `{{G2716}}` **patience** ([[James 1:3]], [[Romans 5:3]]).
* `{{G4991}}` **sōtēría**: The concept of **salvation**, defined as rescue or safety, is something to be actively **worked out** `{{G2716}}` by the believer [[Philippians 2:12]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía**: This word for **sin** is personified as an agent that **wrought** `{{G2716}}` death and **concupiscence** `{{G1939}}` by using the **commandment** `{{G1785}}` as an opportunity ([[Romans 7:8]], [[Romans 7:13]]).
* `{{G2041}}` **érgon**: This term for **work** or **deed** is used alongside `{{G2716}}` when describing how Christ wrought obedience among the Gentiles by **word** `{{G3056}}` and **deed** [[Romans 15:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2716}}` is significant, highlighting several key principles.
* **Spiritual Cause and Effect:** The word demonstrates that spiritual states and external pressures produce tangible outcomes. Godly sorrow **worketh repentance** `{{G3341}}` leading to salvation, while worldly sorrow **worketh death** [[2 Corinthians 7:10]]. A **light** `{{G1645}}` affliction **worketh** for the believer an eternal weight of glory [[2 Corinthians 4:17]].
* **The Agency of Sin and Law:** In Romans, the word explains the mechanics of sin's power. The **law** `{{G3551}}` **worketh wrath** `{{G3709}}` because it reveals **transgression** `{{G3847}}` [[Romans 4:15]]. **Sin** `{{G266}}` is depicted as an active force that takes an **occasion** `{{G874}}` through the commandment to **work** `{{G2716}}` forbidden desires in a person [[Romans 7:8]].
* **Divine Accomplishment:** The word is not limited to human action. God is the one who **hath wrought** `{{G2716}}` believers for a divine purpose, giving them the **earnest** `{{G728}}` of the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` [[2 Corinthians 5:5]]. Christ also **wrought** `{{G2716}}` through the apostles to bring about the **obedience** `{{G5218}}` of the Gentiles [[Romans 15:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2716}}` is more than a word for simple action; it signifies a thorough process of accomplishing, finishing, or bringing something to its intended result. It is a key term for understanding spiritual dynamics, illustrating how both godly and ungodly sources can **work** or **produce** specific outcomes. From the believer's active responsibility to **work out** salvation [[Philippians 2:12]] to the agency of sin [[Romans 7:17]] and the ultimate work of God in His people [[2 Corinthians 5:5]], **katergázomai** reveals a consistent scriptural principle of active accomplishment and consequence.
TRV