from πράσσω; practice, i.e. (concretely) an act; by extension, a function:--deed, office, work.
Transliteration:prâxis
Pronunciation:prax'-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πρᾶξις (prâxis), Strong's `{{G4234}}`, derives from the verb πράσσω (prassō), Strong's `{{G4238}}`, meaning "to do, to perform, to accomplish." As a noun, πρᾶξις primarily denotes an "act," "deed," or "performance." Its semantic range extends to encompass:
1. **A concrete, singular act:** A specific deed or action undertaken by an individual or group.
2. **A habitual course of action:** Referring to a "practice," "conduct," or "way of life," often implying a pattern of behavior.
3. **The execution of a duty or function:** Pertaining to one's "office" or the performance of a particular role.
While often translated as "deed" or "work," πρᾶξις carries a nuance distinct from ἔργον (ergon), Strong's `{{G2041}}`. Whereas ἔργον often emphasizes the *result* or *product* of an action, πρᾶξις tends to highlight the *process*, the *nature*, or the *habitual character* of the action itself. It frequently carries a moral or ethical connotation, referring to conduct that is either commendable or blameworthy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρᾶξις appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, but its occurrences are significant for understanding its theological weight.
* In [[Luke 23:51]], Joseph of Arimathea is described as one "who had not consented to their decision and action (πρᾶξις)." Here, πρᾶξις refers to the specific, collective deed of the Sanhedrin in condemning Jesus, highlighting its morally reprehensible nature.
* The use in [[Acts 19:18]] is particularly illustrative of the "habitual practice" sense: "Many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices (πρᾶξις)." This refers to the hidden, often evil or magical, deeds that characterized their former way of life, now brought to light by conversion.
* Paul employs πρᾶξις in crucial theological contexts. In [[Romans 8:13]], he writes, "For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds (πρᾶξις) of the body, you will live." Here, "deeds of the body" signifies the habitual, sinful actions and behaviors that stem from the unregenerate nature, emphasizing the need for spiritual mortification.
* Similarly, in [[Colossians 3:9]], believers are exhorted, "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his practices (πρᾶξις)." This again refers to the characteristic sinful conduct and way of life associated with humanity apart from Christ.
* In [[Acts 26:20]], Paul recounts his preaching, urging people "that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds (πρᾶξις) consistent with repentance." This usage underscores that genuine repentance is not merely an internal sentiment but is evidenced by outward, observable actions that demonstrate a changed life.
Across these contexts, πρᾶξις consistently refers to human actions, often with a strong moral dimension, whether they are specific, morally charged deeds or habitual patterns of conduct.
### Related Words & Concepts
πρᾶξις is closely related to its verbal root, πράσσω (prassō), `{{G4238}}`, which describes the act of doing or performing. While πρᾶξις is a noun, πράσσω is the active verb.
A significant distinction exists between πρᾶξις and ἔργον (ergon), `{{G2041}}`, which also translates as "work" or "deed." While sometimes used interchangeably, πρᾶξις often implies a course of action, a habitual practice, or the execution of a function, carrying a strong moral or ethical evaluation of the act itself or the character it reveals. ἔργον, by contrast, more frequently denotes the *result* or *product* of labor, or a specific, completed task. For example, "works of the law" (ἔργα νόμου) refers to specific performances or observances, whereas "deeds of the body" (πρᾶξις τοῦ σώματος) refers to the pattern of sinful conduct.
Other related concepts include:
* ποιέω (poieō), `{{G4160}}`: A general verb meaning "to do" or "to make," often with a focus on creation or production.
* "Conduct," "behavior," "lifestyle": These English terms capture the broader sense of πρᾶξις as a pattern of action that defines a person's character or spiritual state.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πρᾶξις lies primarily in its connection to human conduct and moral accountability before God.
1. **Moral Accountability and Sinful Conduct:** Passages like [[Romans 8:13]] and [[Colossians 3:9]] powerfully link πρᾶξις to the sinful nature (flesh, old man). The "deeds of the body" are not merely isolated mistakes but a pattern of life that leads to spiritual death. This highlights humanity's inherent fallenness and the pervasive nature of sin as expressed through actions.
2. **Necessity of Transformation:** The call to "put to death the deeds of the body" (Romans 8:13) or to "put off the old man with his practices" (Colossians 3:9) underscores the radical transformation required of believers. This is not a human effort to earn salvation but a Spirit-empowered mortification of sinful patterns of behavior that flow from a new identity in Christ.
3. **Evidence of Genuine Repentance and Faith:** In [[Acts 26:20]], πρᾶξις is used to describe "deeds consistent with repentance." This emphasizes that true repentance and faith are not merely intellectual assent or emotional experiences but are outwardly demonstrated by a change in behavior and a new direction in life. Actions serve as tangible evidence of an inward spiritual reality.
4. **Distinction from Legalism:** While πρᾶξις refers to actions, it is distinct from the "works of the law" (ἔργα νόμου) that Paul critiques as a means of justification. πρᾶξις in the New Testament generally refers to the broader scope of human conduct, whether good or evil, flowing from one's nature or spiritual state, rather than a specific set of religious observances.
### Summary
πρᾶξις (`{{G4234}}`) is a significant Greek term denoting an "act," "deed," "practice," or "function," deriving from the verb πράσσω (`{{G4238}}`) meaning "to do." It often carries a strong moral dimension, referring to concrete actions or habitual patterns of conduct, whether righteous or unrighteous. Biblical occurrences illustrate its use in describing specific morally charged events (e.g., [[Luke 23:51]]), former sinful "practices" of new believers (e.g., [[Acts 19:18]]), the "deeds of the body" that characterize the sinful nature (e.g., [[Romans 8:13]], [[Colossians 3:9]]), and the "deeds consistent with repentance" that evidence genuine conversion (e.g., [[Acts 26:20]]). Theologically, πρᾶξις underscores human moral accountability, the necessity of Spirit-empowered transformation in conduct for believers, and the outward manifestation of true repentance and faith. While related to ἔργον (`{{G2041}}`), πρᾶξις often emphasizes the process, nature, or habitual aspect of an action, rather than solely its outcome.
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