Brief Overview of περιεργάζομαι (Strong’s G4020: periergazomai)

Strong’s G4020: A compound verb combining περί (around/beyond) and ἐργάζομαι (to work), meaning “to be overly busy, to meddle, to waste one’s labor.” Used in New Testament to criticize those who are busybodies rather than productive workers, emphasizing misplaced effort in matters beyond one’s concern.

U- Unveiling the Word

Περιεργάζομαι represents excessive or misplaced activity, particularly in matters that don’t concern oneself. As a compound word, it combines the sense of going “beyond” (περί) with “working” (ἐργάζομαι), creating a picture of someone working beyond appropriate boundaries. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to address the problem of idle busybodies in the Thessalonian church who were neglecting their own responsibilities while interfering in others’ affairs. The word carries significant ethical implications about proper Christian conduct and stewardship of time and energy. Early church writers expanded its usage to address various forms of inappropriate involvement in others’ affairs, particularly when it disrupted church order. Today, it remains relevant in addressing issues of social media activism, gossip, and proper boundaries in Christian community.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: περιεργάζομαι, periergazomai, [peh-ree-er-GAH-zoh-mai]
• Detailed pronunciation: peh-ree-er-GAH-zoh-mai (stress on fourth syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• περί (peri-): prefix meaning “around, beyond”
• ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai): root verb meaning “to work”
• Middle voice ending -ομαι indicating self-involvement

D – Defining Meanings

• To be a busybody
• To meddle in others’ affairs
• To waste effort on unnecessary matters

For compound words: The prefix περί adds “beyond appropriate bounds” to ἐργάζομαι “to work,” creating the sense of working where one shouldn’t

Translation Options:

1. Meddle – Emphasizes inappropriate interference
2. Be a busybody – Captures social dimension
3. Waste effort – Highlights ineffective activity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πολυπραγμονέω [polypragmoneo, po-lee-prag-mo-NEH-oh] – to be meddlesome
• ἀλλοτριοεπίσκοπος [allotriepiskopos, al-lo-tree-eh-PIS-ko-pos] – meddler in others’ affairs
• φλυαρέω [phlyareo, fly-ah-REH-oh] – to talk nonsense, gossip

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Middle/Deponent
• Mood: Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural
• Aspect: Continuous

Examples: meddle, meddles, meddling
Note: Always appears in middle voice, emphasizing the subject’s involvement in the action

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its negative connotation in ethical contexts. Thayer’s notes its usage for wasteful activity. LSJ provides examples of meddlesome behavior in classical texts. Vine’s connects it to idle curiosity. Strong’s emphasizes working beyond proper bounds. Moulton and Milligan document its use in criticism of social behavior.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but [busybodies].” (2 Thessalonians 3:11)

Additional References:
None

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Περιεργάζομαι reminds us that the gospel of King Jesus calls us to meaningful, purposeful work rather than idle meddling. It challenges believers to focus on their God-given responsibilities rather than interfering in matters beyond their concern. This word promotes the good news by encouraging productive service that builds up the body of Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Often associated with magical practices in classical Greek
2. Used in ancient business documents to criticize inefficient workers
3. Influenced early Christian teaching on proper use of time

Strong’s G4020: Compound verb describing inappropriate busy-work or meddling in others’ affairs. Used in ethical instruction against idleness and interference. Emphasizes the importance of productive work and proper boundaries in Christian community.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: #ChristianEthics #Work #Boundaries #Idleness #PaulineTeaching #BiblicalGreek #CompoundVerbs #ChurchOrder #Responsibility #Stewardship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​