### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb προσεργάζομαι (prosergázomai, `{{G4333}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition πρός (pros), meaning "to, toward, in addition to, besides," and the verb ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, `{{G2038}}`), meaning "to work, toil, perform, accomplish, to do business, to earn." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to work additionally," or "to work toward a gain." By implication, it signifies "to acquire something besides what was initially given," or "to gain through active labor or business." The core semantic range therefore centers on the idea of productive effort resulting in an increase or acquisition beyond the original state. It is not merely to work, but to work *for* an increase, indicating a successful outcome of labor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word προσεργάζομαι appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 19:16]]: "Then came the first, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has *gained* ten minas.’"
This sole occurrence is found within the Parable of the Minas (or Pounds), a narrative delivered by Jesus concerning stewardship and accountability. In this parable, a nobleman entrusts minas (units of money) to his servants before departing. Upon his return, he asks for an account of their management. The first servant reports that his initial mina has προσεργάζομαι ten minas, meaning he has *worked with it and gained* an additional ten. This highlights the servant's diligence, initiative, and successful investment of the entrusted resource. The verb emphasizes the active, productive labor that led to the increase, distinguishing it from merely possessing or preserving the initial endowment. The context contrasts this diligent servant with the one who merely hid his mina, failing to προσεργάζομαι anything, thereby incurring the master's displeasure.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words and concepts illuminate the meaning of προσεργάζομαι:
* ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, `{{G2038}}`): The root verb, signifying work, labor, or performing a task. προσεργάζομαι specifies a particular kind of work—that which leads to gain.
* κερδαίνω (kerdainō, `{{G2770}}`): "To gain, to profit." While κερδαίνω denotes the outcome of gaining, προσεργάζομαι emphasizes the *process of working* to achieve that gain.
* πλεονάζω (pleonazō, `{{G4121}}`): "To abound, to increase, to superabound." This term speaks to the quantitative increase, which is the result of the προσεργάζομαι action.
* οἰκονόμος (oikonomos, `{{G3623}}`): "Steward, manager." The parable in which προσεργάζομαι appears is fundamentally about stewardship, and the good steward is one who actively προσεργάζομαι with what has been entrusted.
* τάλαντον (talanton, `{{G5007}}`): "Talent," the unit of currency in the parallel parable in Matthew (Matthew 25). Both minas and talents represent resources or opportunities given by the master for productive use.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of προσεργάζομαι in [[Luke 19:16]] carries profound theological weight, primarily in the domain of Christian stewardship and discipleship.
1. **Active Stewardship:** The word underscores the divine expectation that believers will not merely preserve the gifts, resources, and opportunities (spiritual, material, temporal) entrusted to them by God, but will actively *work with* them to produce an increase. It is a call to dynamic, productive engagement rather than passive retention.
2. **Fruitfulness and Growth:** προσεργάζομαι reflects a core principle of the Kingdom of God: that which is sown is intended to multiply. God's economy is one of growth and abundance, achieved through faithful human cooperation and effort.
3. **Accountability:** The parable's narrative arc, culminating in the master's return and assessment, highlights that our προσεργάζομαι—or lack thereof—will be evaluated. This implies a future reckoning for how we have invested the "minas" of our lives.
4. **Diligence and Initiative:** The servant who προσεργάζομαι ten minas demonstrated not only obedience but also entrepreneurial spirit and diligent labor. This serves as a model for believers to be resourceful and proactive in their service to God.
5. **Rejection of Idleness:** By contrast, the servant who did not προσεργάζομαι but merely hid his mina is condemned. This emphasizes that spiritual idleness and the failure to employ one's gifts for God's glory are not neutral acts but are met with divine disfavor.
### Summary
προσεργάζομαι (prosergázomai, `{{G4333}}`) is a powerful Greek verb, meaning "to work additionally" or "to gain by working." Its solitary but significant appearance in [[Luke 19:16]] within the Parable of the Minas profoundly illuminates the biblical call to active and productive stewardship. It signifies the diligent effort that results in an increase of what has been entrusted, serving as a theological touchstone for understanding Christian responsibility, the expectation of spiritual fruitfulness, and the ultimate accountability for how we employ the gifts and opportunities bestowed upon us by God. The good steward is one who actively προσεργάζομαι for the Master's gain.
TRV