### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb pragmateúomai (`{{G4231}}`) derives from the noun πρᾶγμα (pragma, `{{G4229}}`), which denotes "a thing done, a deed, a matter, a business, an affair." Consequently, pragmateúomai carries the core meaning of "to be occupied with practical affairs," "to engage in business," or more specifically, "to trade." It implies active, diligent involvement in a task, particularly one that pertains to managing resources, conducting transactions, or generating profit. The sense is not merely passive occupation but an industrious and purposeful engagement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Pragmateúomai appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Luke 19:13]]. This singular occurrence is found within the Parable of the Minas (or Talents, as it is sometimes called, though distinct from the parable in Matthew's Gospel). A nobleman, about to journey to a distant country to receive a kingdom, calls ten of his servants and entrusts each with one mina, commanding them, "Occupy till I come" (KJV) or "Engage in business until I come" (ESV).
The command πραγματεύσασθε (pragmateúsasthe) is an aorist imperative, conveying an urgent and decisive instruction for immediate and sustained action. The subsequent narrative in [[Luke 19:15-26]] clarifies the nature of this "occupation": two servants diligently "traded" (a related verb, διεπραγματεύσατο) and multiplied their entrusted funds, receiving commendation and further responsibility. In stark contrast, the third servant, out of fear, merely preserved the mina by hiding it, resulting in severe condemnation for his lack of productive engagement. The context thus defines pragmateúomai as a call to active, productive investment and growth of entrusted resources.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **πρᾶγμα (pragma, `{{G4229}}`):** The root noun, signifying the "matter" or "business" one is to be occupied with.
* **πράσσω (prassō, `{{G4238}}`):** A more general verb meaning "to do, to perform, to practice." While prassō encompasses any action, pragmateúomai specifies engaging in practical or business affairs.
* **οἰκονομέω (oikonomeō, `{{G3621}}`):** "To manage a household, to be a steward." This concept of stewardship, managing entrusted resources, is closely aligned with the implications of pragmateúomai in the parable.
* **ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, `{{G2038}}`):** "To work, to labor, to perform." Ergazomai is a broader term for work, whereas pragmateúomai focuses more specifically on engaging in profitable affairs or trade.
* **Stewardship:** The theological concept of being entrusted with God-given resources (spiritual gifts, time, talents, material wealth) and being accountable for their wise and fruitful management.
* **Diligence and Industry:** The word inherently implies an active, industrious, and diligent approach to one's responsibilities, standing in opposition to idleness or passivity.
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, pragmateúomai holds profound theological significance, particularly within the framework of Christian discipleship and eschatological accountability.
* **Stewardship of God-Given Resources:** The command "Occupy till I come" serves as a foundational principle for Christian stewardship. The "minas" represent the various gifts, talents, opportunities, time, and material resources that God entrusts to believers. The expectation is not mere preservation but active, productive investment for the advancement of God's kingdom.
* **Active Discipleship:** Pragmateúomai challenges passive faith. It calls believers to move beyond spiritual complacency or fear, urging them to engage diligently in their spiritual walk, utilizing their endowments for God's glory and the benefit of others. It underscores that true faith is active and fruitful.
* **Anticipation of Christ's Return:** The phrase "till I come" highlights the eschatological dimension of Christian living. Believers are called to be actively engaged in kingdom work, serving God and humanity, while awaiting the glorious return of Christ, at which point an accounting will be required for how they managed what was entrusted to them.
* **Divine Expectation of Fruitfulness:** The condemnation of the servant who buried his mina underscores that inaction or fear-driven preservation is unacceptable in God's economy. God expects His servants to be fruitful, to multiply the spiritual and temporal blessings they have received, and to contribute actively to the expansion of His reign.
### Summary
The Greek verb pragmateúomai (`{{G4231}}`) signifies "to busy oneself with, to engage in business, to trade." Its solitary appearance in [[Luke 19:13]] within the Parable of the Minas imbues it with deep theological meaning. The nobleman's command to "occupy" his servants until his return serves as a powerful metaphor for Christian stewardship. This word calls believers to diligently and productively invest and multiply the spiritual gifts, talents, time, and material resources entrusted to them by God. It underscores the divine expectation for active, fruitful discipleship in anticipation of Christ's return, contrasting sharply with idleness or fear-based inaction, and highlighting the accountability inherent in every believer's walk.
TRV