Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like ἐργάτης (ergatēs) is crucial for accurate interpretation of the New Testament. This word, which broadly means “worker” or “laborer,” appears frequently in discussions about the Kingdom of God, discipleship, and ethical behavior. The term is not only relevant for grasping the practical aspects of work in the ancient world but also for understanding the metaphorical use of labor in the Christian life. By studying ἐργάτης, we gain insight into both New Testament teachings and the cultural context of ancient Greece, where work and duty were highly valued.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐργάτης (ergatēs) [er-GAH-tace]
• Etymology: Derived from ἔργον (ergon), meaning “work” or “deed.” The suffix -της often denotes a person associated with an action or profession.
• Part of Speech: Noun; masculine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Worker, laborer: A person who works, particularly one who does manual labor or physical work.
• Field worker or farmer: Refers specifically to those who toil in agriculture or fieldwork.
• Metaphorical sense: In the New Testament, ἐργάτης is often used metaphorically to refer to someone who works in God’s service, such as a missionary, preacher, or servant of the Gospel.

Similar Words: δουλός (doulos) [DOO-los], meaning “servant” or “slave,” is sometimes used interchangeably in a metaphorical sense but carries a different connotation of servitude rather than voluntary labor. μισθωτός (misthōtos) [mis-THOH-tos], meaning “hired servant,” refers to a paid worker and emphasizes a contractual relationship rather than voluntary service or discipleship.

Further Insights: ἐργάτης is a masculine noun of the first declension, following the typical pattern for such nouns. It is widely used in the New Testament to describe those who are “laborers” in God’s vineyard, metaphorically speaking, indicating not just physical laborers but also those dedicated to spiritual work. Below is the declension chart for ἐργάτης:

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines ἐργάτης as a “worker” or “laborer,” particularly in agriculture or other forms of manual labor. It also covers the figurative use of the term to describe “one who labors” in the spiritual sense, such as a missionary or preacher in the New Testament.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Explains ἐργάτης as a term for “a workman, laborer, or toiler,” emphasizing its usage for those engaged in manual labor. Thayer highlights that this term can also be used metaphorically to refer to a “worker in the vineyard of the Lord,” as seen in passages where disciples are sent out to spread the Gospel.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Focuses on ἐργάτης as “a laborer” or “workman,” often with connotations of toil and effort. Vine notes that the term is frequently applied to those doing God’s work, such as in Matthew 9:37-38, where Jesus speaks of “the laborers” being few.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
In classical Greek, ἐργάτης generally means “workman” or “laborer,” particularly those involved in manual labor like farming or construction. It can also mean someone who is skillful or diligent in their work.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Describes ἐργάτης as a “toiler,” “laborer,” or “worker,” used in both literal and metaphorical senses to refer to those actively engaged in physical or spiritual work. It emphasizes the connotation of effort and diligence associated with the term.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 9:37-38: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers [ἐργάται] are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers [ἐργάτας] into his harvest.'”
• Luke 10:2: “And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers [ἐργάται] are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers [ἐργάτας] into his harvest.'”
• 1 Timothy 5:18: “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer [ἐργάτης] deserves his wages.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐργάτης (G2040: ergatēs)

The Greek word ἐργάτης (ergatēs) signifies a “worker” or “laborer” and is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the New Testament. It often refers to those engaged in physical labor, such as field workers, but it also frequently appears in spiritual contexts, describing those who labor in the service of God, such as missionaries or preachers. The term reflects a cultural appreciation for diligent work and serves as a powerful metaphor for the efforts required in spreading the Gospel and doing the work of the Kingdom. Understanding ἐργάτης in its various contexts enriches our comprehension of New Testament teachings on work, ethics, and discipleship.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐργάτης is not just used to describe manual laborers but is also a key metaphor in Jesus’ teachings? In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus uses ἐργάτης to emphasize the need for dedicated “laborers” to spread the message of the Kingdom, likening the work of spreading the Gospel to harvesting a plentiful field. This metaphor reflects the importance of diligence, effort, and dedication in both physical and spiritual labor, providing a profound lesson on the nature of discipleship and service.