Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words can provide deep insights into the original meanings of the Scriptures. The word ἐνέργημα (energēma) is particularly significant as it highlights the concept of “operation” or “effect.” This term is essential for interpreting passages in the New Testament where spiritual gifts and divine activities are discussed. Beyond its Biblical usage, ἐνέργημα also had relevance in ancient Greek culture, denoting any effective work or result of action, thereby providing a broader cultural and philosophical context to its understanding.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνέργημα (energēma) [en-ER-ghay-ma]
• Etymology: Derived from the verb ἐνεργέω (energeō), meaning “to be active” or “to work,” which itself comes from ἔργον (ergon), meaning “work.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter, nominative/accusative singular – third declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• An operation: Refers to a specific act or the process of working.
• An effect or result: Indicates the outcome of a particular action, especially in spiritual contexts.
• A working: Often used to describe supernatural or divine activities that produce a tangible effect.

Similar Words:

• ἐνεργέω (energeō) [en-er-GHE-o]: A verb meaning “to work” or “to be active.” While ἐνεργέω focuses on the act of working, ἐνέργημα emphasizes the result or the effect of that work.
• ἔργον (ergon) [ER-gon]: A noun meaning “work” or “deed,” which refers to the task or activity itself rather than its operational effect or result.
• δύναμις (dynamis) [DOO-na-mis]: Translated as “power” or “ability,” it often describes potential or inherent power, while ἐνέργημα focuses on the actual expression or manifestation of such power in action.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνέργημα is a neuter noun of the third declension, characterized by its variable stem ending and distinct forms across cases.
• Notable Linguistic Features: The word ἐνέργημα is a compound formed from ἐν (en, “in”) and ἔργον (ergon, “work”), thus conveying the idea of something that has been put into effect. Its usage in the New Testament often pertains to the visible outcomes of divine workings, such as spiritual gifts in operation.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon defines ἐνέργημα as “a result of activity, a working, an operation,” particularly highlighting its usage in contexts where spiritual gifts and divine actions are made manifest among believers.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon explains ἐνέργημα as “an effect, operation,” and points out its significance in passages discussing the manifestations of spiritual gifts or divine influence.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader definition of ἐνέργημα as “a work, operation,” with applications in classical Greek that encompass both physical and metaphysical domains.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words categorizes ἐνέργημα under “effects,” specifically those produced by divine or supernatural working. It is often connected to the Holy Spirit’s work within the community of believers.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance describes ἐνέργημα as “an effect or operation,” noting its derivation from ἐνεργέω and emphasizing its role in describing the active outcomes of divine power.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνέργημα (G1755: energēma)

The Greek word ἐνέργημα (energēma) is a noun that captures the concept of a “working,” “operation,” or “effect.” It primarily refers to the result or outcome of a specific action or process, particularly in spiritual contexts where divine power is manifested. Unlike its related terms, such as ἐνεργέω, which emphasizes the process of working, or δύναμις, which highlights potential power, ἐνέργημα focuses on the effect produced by such workings. In classical Greek literature, it had broader applications, from moral philosophy to metaphysics, emphasizing both physical actions and divine workings.

Did You Know?

The term ἐνέργημα is closely related to the modern English word “energy.” While today “energy” refers to the capacity for doing work or the power to effect change, in ancient Greek, ἐνέργημα specifically referred to the tangible result or effect of work, particularly in contexts involving divine or supernatural influence!