### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πρᾶγμα (prâgma, `{{G4229}}`) is derived from the verb πράσσω (prássō, `{{G4238}}`), meaning "to do, to act, to perform." Consequently, πρᾶγμα fundamentally denotes "that which is done," an "act," or a "deed." Its semantic range extends significantly beyond this core, encompassing:
1. **A Concrete Deed or Act:** The result or product of an action.
2. **An Affair or Matter:** Something that needs to be dealt with, a business, a concern, or a specific issue. This often implies a practical or legal context.
3. **A Thing or Object:** By extension, it can refer to a concrete reality, an actual entity, or the substance of something, especially in a philosophical or theological sense, contrasting with mere appearance or shadow.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of πρᾶγμα in the New Testament illustrates its diverse semantic range:
* In [[Luke 1:1]], Luke begins his Gospel by stating that "many have undertaken to compile an orderly account of the *things* (πραγμάτων) that have been fulfilled among us." Here, πρᾶγμα refers to the historical events and realities of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection, which are the foundational "matters" or "facts" of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the concrete, verifiable nature of these occurrences.
* In [[Acts 15:2]], during the Jerusalem Council, πρᾶγμα denotes a specific "matter" or "issue" of theological and practical dispute: "Paul and Barnabas and some others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders concerning this *matter* (πράγματος)." This highlights its use for a particular affair requiring resolution.
* In [[1 Corinthians 6:1]], Paul chastises the Corinthian believers for taking their disputes before pagan courts: "When one of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the unrighteous for judgment instead of before the Lord's people? Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial *cases* (πραγμάτων)?" Here, πρᾶγμα clearly refers to legal "cases" or "matters" of contention.
* Perhaps most profoundly, the Epistle to the Hebrews employs πρᾶγμα to signify "reality" or "substance." In [[Hebrews 10:1]], the author states, "For since the law has but a shadow of the good *things* (πραγμάτων) to come instead of the true form of these *realities* (πραγμάτων)..." Here, πρᾶγμα stands in stark contrast to "shadow" (σκιά, skia). The Law provides only a prefigurement, while the New Covenant in Christ offers the true, substantive "realities" themselves.
* Similarly, in the iconic definition of faith in [[Hebrews 11:1]], "Now faith is the assurance of *things* (πραγμάτων) hoped for, the conviction of *things* (πραγμάτων) not seen." Here, πρᾶγμα denotes the substantive realities that are the objects of faith—they are not mere illusions or abstract concepts, but true, though unseen, "realities" that exist in God's economy and are apprehended by faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of πρᾶγμα is illuminated by its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **πράσσω (prássō, `{{G4238}}`):** As its root verb, πράσσω signifies "to do, to act." πρᾶγμα is the concrete outcome or object of such an action.
* **ἔργον (érgon, `{{G2041}}`):** "Work, deed." While often overlapping with πρᾶγμα in meaning "deed," ἔργον tends to emphasize the product or result of labor, an accomplishment, or a specific task. πρᾶγμα can be broader, encompassing a "matter" or "reality" beyond a mere "work."
* **πράξις (práxis, `{{G4234}}`):** "Act, deed, practice." This term often refers to the *process* or *manner* of acting, or a series of actions, as seen in the title "Acts of the Apostles." πρᾶγμα is more about the specific "thing done" or the "matter itself."
* **λόγος (lógos, `{{G3056}}`):** "Word, reason, account." In some contexts, πρᾶγμα (deed/reality) can be contrasted with λόγος (word/concept), highlighting the distinction between what is said or thought and what is actual or done.
* **ἀλήθεια (alētheia, `{{G225}}`):** "Truth, reality." The use of πρᾶγμα in Hebrews to denote "reality" aligns it closely with the concept of truth, emphasizing the substantial and genuine nature of God's promises and Christ's work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πρᾶγμα is particularly profound in its nuanced usage:
* **The Concrete Nature of God's Redemptive History:** In Luke, πρᾶγμα underscores that the Gospel message is not a collection of myths or abstract ideas, but an account of concrete, historical "things" or "events" that genuinely transpired. This grounds Christian faith in verifiable reality.
* **The Substance of the New Covenant:** The most significant theological contribution of πρᾶγμα comes from Hebrews. Here, it establishes a critical distinction between the Old Covenant as a "shadow" (σκιά) and the New Covenant as the "reality" (πρᾶγμα). The Law pointed to Christ, but Christ *is* the very substance and fulfillment of what the Law foreshadowed. This emphasizes the superiority and ultimate efficacy of Christ's sacrifice and priestly ministry.
* **The Object of Faith:** In [[Hebrews 11:1]], πρᾶγμα defines the very nature of faith. Faith is not a blind hope in nothing, but a confident assurance and conviction regarding "realities" that are unseen but nevertheless exist and are certain in God's plan. These "things hoped for" and "things not seen" are not imaginary but possess a true, substantive existence, made real to the believer through faith. This gives faith a robust, grounded quality.
* **Practicality of Christian Living:** While less overtly theological, the use of πρᾶγμα for "matters" or "cases" in Acts and 1 Corinthians highlights the practical, often challenging, aspects of communal life and dispute resolution within the early church. It underscores the need for wisdom, discernment, and internal mechanisms for addressing real-world "affairs" among believers.
### Summary
The Greek word πρᾶγμα (prâgma, `{{G4229}}`) moves from a basic meaning of "deed" or "matter" to a profound theological significance, especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where it denotes "reality" or "substance." It highlights the concrete, historical events of salvation in Christ, distinguishes the substantive realities of the New Covenant from the shadows of the Old, and grounds faith in the conviction of unseen but truly existing "things." Whether referring to practical affairs or ultimate spiritual realities, πρᾶγμα consistently points to that which is actual, substantial, and truly existent, anchoring the Christian faith in tangible truth.
TRV