Brief Overview of πραγματεύομαι (Strong’s G4231: pragmateuomai)

Strong’s G4231: A verb meaning “to do business” or “to trade,” derived from pragma (matter, business). Used in Jesus’ parable of the minas to describe responsible stewardship and investment. Carries implications of active engagement in business or trade for profit.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πραγματεύομαι represents active engagement in business or trading activities. In the New Testament, it appears uniquely in Jesus’ parable of the minas, where it describes the expected activity of servants managing their master’s resources. Early church writers used this term to discuss proper stewardship of both material and spiritual resources. Today, it continues to inform Christian understanding of responsible resource management and spiritual investment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πραγματεύομαι, pragmateuomai, prag-ma-TYOO-oh-mai
• Detailed pronunciation: prahg-mah-TYOO-oh-mai (stress on third syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From πρᾶγμα (pragma) – matter, business
• -εύομαι (-euomai) – middle/passive verbal suffix
• Indicates engagement in activity

D – Defining Meanings

• To do business
• To trade
• To be occupied with transactions

Translation Options:

• “To trade” – commercial focus
• “To do business” – broader activity
• “To engage in commerce” – formal equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπορεύομαι (emporeuomai, em-po-RYOO-oh-mai) – to trade – See G1710
• κερδαίνω (kerdainō, ker-DAI-no) – to gain – See G2770
• διαπραγματεύομαι (diapragmateuomai, dee-ah-prag-ma-TYOO-oh-mai) – to make profit – See G1281

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Voice: Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Imperative, Infinitive
• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular/Plural

Example conjugations:

• Present: πραγματεύομαι (I do business)
• Aorist: ἐπραγματευσάμην (I did business)
• Imperative: πραγματεύου (do business!)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes commercial activity. Thayer’s notes parabolic usage. LSJ documents business terminology. Vine’s highlights stewardship aspects. Strong’s connects it to trading activity. LEH notes similar concepts in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite business documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 19:13: “And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, [πραγματεύομαι] Trade ye till I come.”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 19:13.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πραγματεύομαι reminds us that Christian stewardship involves active engagement with resources. From Jesus’ parable, it teaches that faith requires practical action and investment. This word proclaims that serving God includes responsible management of all He entrusts to us.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was common in ancient business contracts.
2. Early Christians used it to discuss ministry investment.
3. It influenced development of Christian business ethics.

Strong’s G4231: A verb meaning “to do business” or “to trade,” derived from pragma (matter, business). Used in Jesus’ parable of the minas to describe responsible stewardship and investment. Carries implications of active engagement in business or trade for profit.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: business, trade, stewardship, parables, investment, responsibility, commerce, Jesus’ teachings, resources, profit​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​