English · KJV
G4020

περιεργάζομαι

periergázomai /per-ee-er-gad'-zom-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom περί and ἐργάζομαι
Meaningto work all around, i.e. bustle about (meddle)
KJV usagebe a busybody.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of periergázomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word periergázomai, represented by G4020, is a specific term used to describe those who be a busybody. It appears only 1 time in the Bible, in 1 unique verse. The word is derived from περί and ἐργάζομαι, with a base definition of "to work all around, i.e. bustle about (meddle)."

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical use of G4020 is in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. In this verse, the author addresses a report about certain individuals in the community. Their behavior is described as walking disorderly (G814), which is characterized by a stark contrast: working (G2038) not at all (G3367), but (G235) being busybodies. The term pinpoints a specific type of idleness that is not passive, but actively meddlesome.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related Greek words from its only context clarify the meaning of G4020:

  • G2038 ergázomai (to toil, work): This word is set in direct opposition to being a busybody. The verse makes it clear that being a busybody is what one does when they are not engaged in productive work.
  • G814 atáktōs (disorderly): This adverb describes the manner of conduct associated with being a busybody. It frames the action not just as unhelpful, but as something that is irregular and disruptive to the community.
  • G4043 peripatéō (to walk about, live, deport oneself): Used figuratively, this term describes the lifestyle of those who are busybodies. Their "walk," or way of life, is identified as disorderly.

Theological Significance

While rare, the theological weight of G4020 is significant within its context. It serves as a sharp pastoral correction with clear implications.

  • The Problem of Idleness: The term directly links unproductive idleness with sinful behavior. In 2 Thessalonians 3:11, the state of "working not at all" leads to the active meddling of a "busybody."
  • Community Disruption: The use of the word addresses behavior that harms the church body. Busybodies operate "among you," indicating that their actions create disorder within the fellowship of believers.
  • Contrasting Lifestyles: The concept of being a busybody is contrasted with the command to work quietly and do one's own business, a theme found in the surrounding text 1 Thessalonians 4:11. This highlights a biblical value placed on orderly contribution over chaotic interference.

Summary

In summary, G4020 defines more than simple inactivity. It describes the negative and disruptive behavior that arises from it. Its sole appearance in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 serves as a potent warning against a specific kind of disorderly conduct, contrasting the unproductive meddling of a busybody with the focused, quiet work that is encouraged for a believer.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists one rendering for this word. It is counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the number is how many of them use it. Select it to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 1 occurrence, inflected in 1 grammatical form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • περιεργαζομένους

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G814 ἀτάκτως adverb from ἄτακτος, irregularly (morally) G2038 ἐργάζομαι to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc. G3367 μηδείς not even one (man, woman, thing) G235 ἀλλά properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) G4043 περιπατέω to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability)

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 2 Thessalonians — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.