Brief Overview of ποιέω (Strong’s G4160: poieō)

Strong’s G4160: A primary verb meaning “to make” or “to do,” encompassing a broad range of creative and productive actions. It’s one of the most frequently used verbs in the New Testament, appearing in contexts from divine creation to human actions, from physical making to moral conduct.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποιέω is a foundational verb expressing the concept of making, doing, or producing. Its semantic range spans from physical creation to moral behavior, from performing actions to producing results. In the New Testament, it appears in crucial contexts about God’s creative work, Jesus’ miracles, and ethical conduct. The early church used it extensively to describe both divine activity and human responsibility in response to God’s grace. Today, it remains central to understanding the relationship between faith and works, divine creation, and Christian conduct.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποιέω, poieō, /poy-eh’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oy (diphthong) + eh (vowel) + o (final vowel)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ποι- (poi-) primary verbal root
• Ending: -έω (-eō) present active indicative ending
• Function: Primary verb expressing action or production

D – Defining Meanings

• To make
• To do
• To create
• To perform
• To produce
• To cause
• To bring about

Translation Options:

• Make/Do – Best captures the basic meaning and versatility
• Create – Emphasizes the productive aspect
• Perform – Highlights the active, intentional aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πράσσω (prassō) /pras’-so/ – refers more to habitual actions – See G4238
• ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai) /er-gad’-zom-ahee/ – emphasizes work/labor – See G2038
• κτίζω (ktizō) /ktid’-zo/ – specifically refers to creation – See G2936

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect, Pluperfect
• Voice: Active, Middle, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Optative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous, Punctiliar, Perfective

Examples:
Present: ποιῶ (I do/make)
Future: ποιήσω (I will do/make)
Aorist: ἐποίησα (I did/made)
Perfect: πεποίηκα (I have done/made)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its broad semantic range and frequent usage. Thayer’s notes its fundamental role in expressing action. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its theological significance. Strong’s emphasizes its primary nature. LEH discusses its Septuagint usage particularly in creation contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in everyday situations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 1:24: “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did [ἐποίησεν] as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife.”

Additional References:
Matthew 3:3, John 1:3, Acts 2:36, Romans 4:21, Ephesians 2:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποιέω reveals both God’s creative power and our calling to act in response to His grace. It proclaims the good news that God is actively working in creation and redemption, while calling us to put our faith into action through Christ-like conduct.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποιέω appears over 500 times in the New Testament
2. It’s used in both creation accounts and the formation of the new covenant
3. The word gives us the English term “poetry” through its derivative ποίησις

Strong’s G4160: A primary verb meaning “to make” or “to do,” encompassing a broad range of creative and productive actions. It’s one of the most frequently used verbs in the New Testament, appearing in contexts from divine creation to human actions, from physical making to moral conduct.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: make, do, create, perform, action, creation, works, conduct, divine activity, human responsibility, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​