Brief Overview of ἔργον (Strong’s G2041: ergon)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words like ἔργον (ergon) is essential for Biblical studies, as it provides deeper insights into the meaning of various passages in the New Testament. The word ἔργον is particularly significant because it encompasses a broad range of meanings, from “work” and “deed” to “action” and “task.” It is frequently used to convey the importance of both human and divine activities, illustrating the theological and ethical implications of “works” in early Christian teaching and ancient Greek culture. Analyzing ἔργον helps to better understand the expectations, values, and teachings found within Scripture and the writings of early Greek thinkers.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἔργον (ergon) [ER-gon]
• Etymology: Derived from Proto-Indo-European werg- meaning “to do” or “to work.” It is related to the English word “work.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; neuter; second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Work or task: Refers to physical labor or any task undertaken.
• Deed or action: Emphasizes the outcome or result of an action, often in moral or ethical contexts.
• Achievement or accomplishment: Focuses on the completed work or what has been achieved.
• Divine work or miracle: Can refer to the works of God, including miracles and acts of divine intervention.

Similar Words: πρᾶξις (praxis) [PRAK-sis], meaning “action” or “practice,” focuses more on the process or ongoing activity rather than the result. τέχνη (technē) [TEK-nay], meaning “craft” or “skill,” refers to a specific type of work that involves technical skill or art rather than general labor or deeds.

Further Insights: ἔργον is a neuter noun of the second declension, which is regularly formed in Greek. Its usage spans both literal and metaphorical meanings, allowing it to refer to everything from manual labor to spiritual endeavors. Below is the declension chart for ἔργον:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines ἔργον as “work, deed, action,” with an emphasis on both physical and moral activities. It often refers to human actions and behavior, both good and bad, and is used extensively to discuss the works of the law and the fruits of faith.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Explains ἔργον as “work, business, employment,” which can be an act, deed, or thing done. It highlights the importance of the term in ethical discussions, particularly in the New Testament, where it contrasts the “works of the law” with the “works of faith.”

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Focuses on ἔργον as “a work or employment,” noting its metaphorical use to denote the spiritual activities or works required by God. It is central to discussions of Christian duty and discipleship.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Covers ἔργον as “work, deed,” including both manual labor and any action performed with a purpose. It is used broadly in ancient Greek literature, from Homer to Aristotle, to mean both tangible labor and philosophical or ethical action.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Describes ἔργον as “work” or “deed,” indicating any task or accomplishment. It includes references to “works” as evidence of faith in the New Testament, and in a negative sense, it refers to “works of the flesh.”

Related Scripture References

• Ephesians 2:10: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works [ἔργοις], which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
• James 2:17: “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works [ἔργα], is dead.”
• John 6:29: “Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work [ἔργον] of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔργον (G2041: ergon)

The Greek word ἔργον (ergon) translates to “work” or “deed” and is used extensively in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe a variety of actions, tasks, and deeds. Its meanings range from physical labor to ethical actions and divine works. In the New Testament, ἔργον plays a critical role in discussions about faith, grace, and the relationship between belief and action. It serves as a key term in understanding how the early Christian community interpreted the importance of actions in the context of faith. In classical Greek, it is used broadly to describe both human and divine endeavors, reinforcing the cultural value placed on purposeful and productive work.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἔργον forms the root for several English words, including “ergonomics” (the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment) and “energy” (derived from the Greek en-ergon, meaning “at work”)? This etymological connection emphasizes the enduring influence of the Greek concept of “work” in both language and cultural understanding.