### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, `{{G2716}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition κατά (kata, `{{G2596}}`) and the verb ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, `{{G2038}}`), meaning "to work" or "to labor." The prefix κατά in this context often serves as an intensifier, indicating thoroughness, completion, or the bringing of something to a definitive conclusion. Thus, κατεργάζομαι signifies "to work out fully," "to accomplish," "to bring about," "to effect," "to produce," or "to perform." It implies not merely engaging in an action, but seeing that action through to its intended or inevitable outcome, whether positive or negative. The semantic range includes the idea of fashioning, causing, or achieving a particular result through diligent effort.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
κατεργάζομαι appears frequently in the New Testament, often conveying a sense of active production or accomplishment.
In the Pauline epistles, the verb is particularly significant:
* In Romans, it frequently describes the outworking of sin:
* [[Romans 1:27]] speaks of men "working" (doing) shameful acts.
* [[Romans 2:9]] refers to "every soul of man who works evil."
* [[Romans 7:8]] illustrates how sin, finding opportunity through the commandment, "produced" (κατεργάσατο) covetousness in Paul. This highlights sin's active, corrupting power.
* [[Romans 7:15]], [[Romans 7:17]], [[Romans 7:18]], and [[Romans 7:20]] repeatedly use the verb to describe the struggle with indwelling sin, where the believer finds himself "doing" (κατεργάζομαι) what he hates, indicating a powerful, compelling force at work within.
* In [[Romans 15:18]], Paul uses it to describe what Christ "has accomplished" through him among the Gentiles, emphasizing the effective, completed work of the gospel.
* [[2 Corinthians 4:17]] presents a profound theological truth: "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us (κατεργάζεται) a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Here, suffering is depicted as an active agent producing a glorious future.
* [[2 Corinthians 5:5]] notes that God "has prepared" (ὁ κατεργασάμενος) believers for eternal life, indicating divine foresight and effective action.
* [[2 Corinthians 7:10]] states that "godly sorrow produces (κατεργάζεται) repentance leading to salvation," while "the sorrow of the world produces (κατεργάζεται) death." This verse powerfully contrasts the outcomes of different types of sorrow.
* [[2 Corinthians 12:12]] speaks of the "signs of an apostle" having been "accomplished" (κατεργάσθη) among the Corinthian believers, signifying their full manifestation.
* Perhaps one of its most famous occurrences is in [[Philippians 2:12]]: "work out (κατεργάζεσθε) your own salvation with fear and trembling." This is not about earning salvation, but about diligently living out the implications of the salvation already received, bringing it to full expression in one's life.
* In James, [[James 1:3]] states that "the testing of your faith produces (κατεργάζεται) patience," showing a positive outcome of trials. Conversely, [[James 1:20]] asserts that "the wrath of man does not produce (κατεργάζεται) the righteousness of God," highlighting an action that fails to achieve a desired spiritual result.
* [[Ephesians 6:13]] instructs believers to take up the whole armor of God, "that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all (πάντα κατεργασάμενοι), to stand." Here, it signifies the completion of all necessary preparations and actions for spiritual warfare.
### Related Words & Concepts
The core of κατεργάζομαι lies in ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, `{{G2038}}`), "to work," and its related noun ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`), "work" or "deed." While ἐργάζομαι simply denotes the act of working, κατεργάζομαι emphasizes the *result* or *completion* of that work.
Other related verbs include:
* ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`): a very general term for "to make" or "to do." κατεργάζομαι is more specific, focusing on the *effective production* or *accomplishment* of something.
* πράσσω (prassō, `{{G4238}}`): "to do," often implying habitual action or practice. While πράσσω might describe the ongoing performance of an act, κατεργάζομαι points to the *outcome* or *finished product* of an action.
Concepts closely associated with κατεργάζομαι include: accomplishment, completion, production, effect, diligence, perseverance, and the outworking or manifestation of an inner state (whether sin or faith).
### Theological Significance
The theological import of κατεργάζομαι is profound, touching upon several key doctrines:
1. **Human Responsibility in Salvation and Sanctification:** The command to "work out your own salvation" in [[Philippians 2:12]] is pivotal. This does not imply earning salvation, which is a gift of grace, but rather diligently living out the implications of that salvation. It speaks to the believer's active and continuous participation in the process of sanctification, bringing their life into conformity with the divine will. This human effort is not independent but is enabled by God, as [[Philippians 2:13]] immediately adds, "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." This highlights the synergistic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
2. **The Active Nature of Sin:** In Romans 7, κατεργάζομαι powerfully portrays sin not as a passive state but as an active, compelling force that "produces" or "works" evil and death within the human heart. It underscores the pervasive and corrupting power of sin that leads to specific, destructive outcomes.
3. **The Transformative Power of Godly Processes:** The verb describes how various experiences and divine interventions "produce" positive spiritual qualities. [[2 Corinthians 4:17]] shows suffering producing glory, [[2 Corinthians 7:10]] godly sorrow producing repentance, and [[James 1:3]] trials producing patience. This emphasizes that God uses life's circumstances to actively shape and mature believers, bringing about spiritual fruit.
4. **The Authenticity of Faith:** [[James 1:20]] implies that certain human actions, like wrath, cannot "produce" divine righteousness, contrasting with a living faith that genuinely "works" good deeds. The verb thus connects to the biblical emphasis on faith that is demonstrated by its tangible results.
### Summary
κατεργάζομαι (katergázomai, `{{G2716}}`) is a robust Greek verb signifying the active, thorough, and purposeful working out of something to its definite conclusion or outcome. It conveys the idea of accomplishing, bringing about, or effectively producing a result. This verb is crucial for understanding both the insidious power of sin in producing evil and the transformative power of God and godly processes in producing spiritual good. Its use in [[Philippians 2:12]] underscores the believer's diligent responsibility to live out their salvation, a work enabled by God Himself. Whether describing the destructive effects of sin or the sanctifying work of grace, κατεργάζομαι consistently points to the tangible and often profound results of an action.
TRV