Brief Overview of ποίησις (Strong’s G4162: poiēsis)

Strong’s G4162: A noun derived from ποιέω (to make/do), meaning “doing, making, performance.” In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the active doing or performing of something, particularly in relation to putting God’s word into practice. This term emphasizes action rather than mere knowledge.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποίησις represents the act or process of doing/making, emphasizing active performance rather than passive reception. In its sole New Testament appearance, it connects to James’s emphasis on being doers of the word, not hearers only. The early church understood this term as highlighting the essential connection between faith and action. Today, it continues to challenge believers to move beyond mere intellectual assent to active obedience in living out God’s word.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποίησις, poiēsis, /poy’-ay-sis/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + oy (diphthong) + ay (vowel) + sis (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ποιέ- (poie-) from ποιέω (to make/do)
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) forming an action noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating the process or act of doing

D – Defining Meanings

• Making
• Doing
• Performance
• Action
• Execution of a task

Translation Options:

• Doing – Best captures the active performance aspect
• Performance – Emphasizes the execution of action
• Practice – Highlights the implementation aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρᾶξις (praxis) /prax’-is/ – refers to practice or action – See G4234
• ἔργον (ergon) /er’-gon/ – refers to work or deed – See G2041
• ἐνέργεια (energeia) /en-erg’-i-ah/ – refers to working or operation – See G1753

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 3rd declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: ποίησις
• Genitive: ποιήσεως
• Dative: ποιήσει
• Accusative: ποίησιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its focus on active doing. Thayer’s notes its connection to practical implementation. LSJ traces its development in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its practical nature. Strong’s connects it to performative action. LEH discusses its usage in Greek literature. Moulton and Milligan document its use in practical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
James 1:25: “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts [ποιήσει], he will be blessed in his doing.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποίησις reminds us that true faith manifests in action. It proclaims the good news that Christ not only saves us but empowers us to live out our faith through active obedience, transforming both our hearts and our actions.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποίησις gives us the English word “poetry”
2. It appears only once in the New Testament but in a crucial context about faith and works
3. Ancient Greeks used this term for both artistic creation and practical action

Strong’s G4162: A noun derived from ποιέω (to make/do), meaning “doing, making, performance.” In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the active doing or performing of something, particularly in relation to putting God’s word into practice. This term emphasizes action rather than mere knowledge.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: doing, making, performance, action, practical faith, works, obedience, James, faith and works, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, active faith​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​