The Greek word poiētḗs, represented by G4163, primarily means a performer or doer, and is also the source of the word "poet". It appears 6 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. The term carries a significant dual meaning, referring both to one who performs an action and, in a special sense, one who creates through words.
In scripture, G4163 is most frequently used to draw a sharp contrast between passive hearing and active obedience. The book of James repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of being doers of the word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves James 1:22-23. This theme is echoed in Romans, where it is stated that the doers of the law will be justified, not just the hearers Romans 2:13. In a distinct context, the word is used in its literal sense in Acts, where Paul references the words of Greek poets to connect with his audience in Athens Acts 17:28.
Several related words clarify the concept of performing or doing:
- G202 akroatḗs (a hearer): Defined as "a hearer (merely)," this word is consistently placed in direct opposition to a doer G4163, highlighting a faith that is passive or intellectual rather than active (James 1:23, Romans 2:13).
- G4162 poíēsis (deed): Meaning "action, i.e. performance (of the law)," this term specifies the outcome of being a doer G4163. The believer who looks into the law of liberty and acts is promised to be blessed in his deed James 1:25.
- G1085 génos (offspring): This word for "kin" or offspring is used in the passage where G4163 is translated as poet, establishing the common ground that humanity is God's offspring Acts 17:28.
- G2923 kritḗs (judge): This term is contrasted with doer G4163 to show the improper role of one who judgeth the law instead of obeying it, thereby making himself a judge rather than a performer of it James 4:11.
The theological weight of G4163 is significant, underscoring the nature of authentic faith.
- Faith Expressed Through Action: The primary theological thrust of G4163 is its insistence that true faith is validated by works. One cannot merely be a hearer G202 of the word G3056 but must be a doer, as hearing without action is self-deception James 1:22. This principle is tied to justification, as it is the doers of the law G3551 who will be justified G1344 Romans 2:13.
- Submission to the Law: The term is used to distinguish a believer's proper role in relation to God's law. A believer is called to be a doer of the law G3551, not a judge G2923 of it. To judge the law is to step out of the position of obedience and into a position of authority over it James 4:11.
- Creative Acknowledgment of God: The unique use of G4163 as poet in Acts demonstrates that the source of all life can be acknowledged even through secular creation. Paul uses the words of poets to affirm that humans are God's offspring G1085, showing that all people live G2198, move G2795, and have their being in Him Acts 17:28.
In summary, G4163 poiētḗs functions as more than a simple descriptor. While it can refer to a poet in the literal sense Acts 17:28, its primary role in scripture is to define the nature of true faith. It is a call to action, demanding that hearing be translated into doing. The distinction between being a hearer and a doer is central to understanding the biblical mandate for a living, obedient faith that is demonstrated through works and submission to God's word and law (James 1:22, Romans 2:13).
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