Brief Overview of ποιητής (Strong’s G4163: poiētēs)

Strong’s G4163: A noun derived from ποιέω (to make/do), meaning “maker, doer, poet.” In the New Testament, it primarily refers to one who puts God’s word into practice, though in Acts it references a classical poet. The word emphasizes active performance rather than passive reception.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποιητής carries the dual meaning of “maker/doer” and “poet” in classical Greek, but in the New Testament it primarily emphasizes being a “doer” of God’s word. This term appears in contexts stressing the importance of active obedience over mere hearing. While used once to reference a classical poet in Acts, its theological usage in James particularly emphasizes the essential connection between hearing and doing in authentic faith. The early church understood this term as highlighting the practical nature of genuine Christianity, and today it continues to challenge believers to move beyond passive reception to active implementation of God’s truth.

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N – Necessary Information

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

Etymology:

• Root: ποιέ- (poie-) from ποιέω (to make/do)
• Suffix: -της (-tēs) forming an agent noun
• Function: Creates a noun indicating the one who performs an action

D – Defining Meanings

• Doer
• Maker
• Performer
• Poet
• Creator

Translation Options:

• Doer – Best captures the New Testament emphasis
• Performer – Emphasizes active implementation
• Practitioner – Highlights consistent practice

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐργάτης (ergatēs) /er-gat’-ace/ – refers to a worker/laborer – See G2040
• πράκτωρ (praktōr) /prak’-tore/ – refers to one who executes – See G4233
• δημιουργός (dēmiourgos) /day-me-oor-gos’/ – refers to a craftsman – See G1217

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 1st declension

Examples:
Singular:

• Nominative: ποιητής
• Genitive: ποιητοῦ
• Dative: ποιητῇ
• Accusative: ποιητήν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning as “doer” in NT contexts. Thayer’s notes both its literary and practical uses. LSJ traces its development from “poet” to broader usage. Vine’s highlights its emphasis on action. Strong’s connects it to creative activity. LEH discusses its varied usage in Greek literature. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in both literary and practical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 17:28: “For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets [ποιηταί] have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.'”

Additional References:
James 1:22, James 1:23, James 1:25, James 4:11, Romans 2:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποιητής challenges us to be active participants in God’s story, not mere spectators. It proclaims the good news that through Christ, we are empowered to be doers of the Word, living out our faith in practical ways that demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ποιητής gives us the English word “poet”
2. It appears 6 times in the New Testament, mostly in James
3. The word bridged Greek cultural and Christian theological contexts

Strong’s G4163: A noun derived from ποιέω (to make/do), meaning “maker, doer, poet.” In the New Testament, it primarily refers to one who puts God’s word into practice, though in Acts it references a classical poet. The word emphasizes active performance rather than passive reception.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: doer, maker, poet, active faith, obedience, James, practical Christianity, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, faith and works, practical application, Christian living​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​