Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for a deeper comprehension of Biblical texts and their original meanings. The Greek word ἐνεργής (energēs) is particularly significant for its use in describing actions and qualities that are “effective” or “active.” This word appears in various New Testament passages and is often associated with spiritual power, divine workings, and effective faith. Additionally, ἐνεργής offers a glimpse into ancient Greek culture, where it was applied to describe both physical and moral activities, enhancing our understanding of how the concept of active effectiveness was perceived in the ancient world.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνεργής (energēs) [en-er-GAYS]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + ἔργον (ergon, “work”), suggesting something that is “in work” or “active.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective (third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Active: Denoting something that is currently in action or operation.
• Effective: Describes something that produces a desired result or effect.
• Powerful in action: Implies having a significant impact or influence through activity.

Similar Words:

• ἐνεργέω (energeō) [en-er-GHE-o]: A verb meaning “to work” or “to be active.” While ἐνεργέω describes the process of action or work, ἐνεργής focuses on the state or quality of being active or effective.
• δυνατός (dynatos) [doo-na-TOS]: An adjective meaning “powerful” or “mighty.” While δυνατός emphasizes inherent power or ability, ἐνεργής stresses the active, effective use of power.
• ἔργον (ergon) [ER-gon]: A noun that means “work” or “deed.” It highlights the result or the task itself, rather than the effectiveness or quality of the action as described by ἐνεργής.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνεργής is a third declension adjective with varying forms depending on the gender and case it is applied to.
• Notable Linguistic Features: The word combines ἐν (“in”) and ἔργον (“work”), indicating a state of being actively engaged in work or action. This adjective form emphasizes an ongoing, dynamic quality.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνεργής as “effective” or “active,” particularly emphasizing its use in contexts where faith or works are highlighted for their power to produce results.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon describes ἐνεργής as “active” or “operative,” stressing its application in describing actions or faith that have tangible effects.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broad definition of ἐνεργής as “active, effective,” and extends its use to both physical and metaphorical realms in ancient Greek literature.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words categorizes ἐνεργής under “active, operative,” and notes its usage in contexts where actions or attributes demonstrate power or effectiveness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐνεργής as “active” and links it to the root word ἐνεργέω, focusing on its implications for describing dynamic, powerful actions.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνεργής (G1756: energēs)

The Greek word ἐνεργής (energēs) is an adjective that conveys the idea of being “active” or “effective.” It highlights the quality of being engaged in action and having the capacity to produce tangible effects. This term is relevant in both Biblical and classical Greek contexts, often describing spiritual works, effective faith, or dynamic activities. Unlike its related terms, such as ἐνεργέω, which focuses on the process of working, ἐνεργής emphasizes the attribute or state of being effectively active. In ancient Greek literature, ἐνεργής was applied to a wide range of contexts, from philosophy to moral teachings, making it a word rich in meaning and application.

Did You Know?

The word ἐνεργής (energēs) is the root of the modern English word “energetic.” While today “energetic” describes someone who has a lot of energy or vigor, in ancient Greek, ἐνεργής referred more specifically to the quality of being active, effective, and capable of producing results!