from ποιέω; action, i.e. performance (of the law):--deed.
Transliteration:poíēsis
Pronunciation:poy'-ay-sis
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ποίησις (poíēsis, `{{G4162}}`) is derived directly from the verb ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`), which means "to do, to make, to produce, to perform." As a noun, ποίησις signifies the *act* of doing or making, the *performance* itself, or a concrete *deed*. Unlike the broader verb, ποίησις specifically highlights the execution or practical application of an action. Its semantic range centers on the manifestation of an activity, particularly in the context of adherence to a standard or law, emphasizing the practical outworking over mere intention or knowledge.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ποίησις (poíēsis, `{{G4162}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[James 1:25]]. However, its single occurrence is profoundly significant for understanding the epistle's central theme:
* **[[James 1:25]]**: "But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing (ἐν τῇ ποιήσει αὐτοῦ)."
* In this passage, James contrasts two types of individuals: the "hearer who forgets" and the "doer who acts." The "doing" (poíēsis) is presented as the essential characteristic of the blessed individual. This is not merely an intellectual understanding or passive reception of truth but the active, persistent application of the "perfect law, the law of liberty." The context stresses that true faith is not inert but finds its expression in concrete actions that align with God's revealed will. The blessedness promised is not for those who merely possess knowledge, but for those whose lives are characterized by the performance of what they have heard and believed.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`)**: The foundational verb, meaning "to do, make." Poíēsis is the noun form, representing the *act* or *result* of poieō. Understanding the verb's broad usage helps appreciate poíēsis as the concrete execution.
* **ποιητής (poietēs, `{{G4163}}`)**: "Doer, performer, maker." This noun, also from ποιέω, is used in [[James 1:22]] and [[James 1:25]] ("doer of the word"). It directly identifies the agent of the poíēsis.
* **ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`)**: "Work, deed, action." This is a very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "deed" or "work." While poíēsis emphasizes the *act of doing* or *performance*, ἔργον often refers to the *thing done* or the *accomplishment*. James frequently uses ἔργον (e.g., [[James 2:14-26]]) to elaborate on the necessary outworking of faith.
* **πρᾶξις (praxis, `{{G4234}}`)**: "Deed, act, practice." Similar to ἔργον, πρᾶξις also denotes practical action or conduct, often with a moral connotation.
* **Concepts**: The concept of poíēsis is deeply intertwined with biblical themes such as obedience, practical righteousness, active faith, the demonstration of genuine conversion, and the fruit of the Spirit. It stands in direct opposition to hypocrisy or a purely theoretical understanding of truth.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of ποίησις (poíēsis, `{{G4162}}`) in James' epistle is central to the New Testament's discourse on faith and works.
1. **Faith Demonstrated by Deeds**: Poíēsis underscores the Pauline-Jamesian harmony on the necessity of deeds as evidence of authentic faith. While salvation is by grace through faith apart from works of the law, true, living faith is never barren but inevitably expresses itself in "doing" (poíēsis) what God commands. This "doing" is not a means to earn salvation but a natural, Spirit-empowered response to it.
2. **The "Law of Liberty"**: The "doing" is specifically tied to the "perfect law, the law of liberty." This is not a return to legalism but an embrace of the liberating truth of the Gospel, which empowers believers to live righteously out of love and gratitude, not compulsion. The poíēsis here is a joyful, free obedience to Christ's teachings.
3. **Authenticity and Blessing**: Poíēsis serves as a litmus test for the authenticity of one's faith. A faith that produces no "doing" is deemed dead or ineffectual ([[James 2:17]]). Conversely, the one whose faith issues forth in poíēsis is promised blessing, indicating God's favor upon those who actively embody His truth. This highlights the practical and transformative nature of true spirituality.
### Summary
ποίησις (poíēsis, `{{G4162}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "action, performance, or deed," derived from the verb ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`). Its sole appearance in [[James 1:25]] is pivotal, where it emphasizes the active, practical application of the "perfect law, the law of liberty." In contrast to passive hearing, poíēsis signifies the concrete outworking of faith, demonstrating that true belief is never static but produces tangible deeds. Theologically, it highlights that genuine faith is evidenced by active obedience, leading to divine blessing and serving as a crucial marker for the authenticity of one's spiritual life. It underscores the New Testament's insistence that faith without "doing" is incomplete and ineffectual.
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