Brief Overview of πράσσω (Strong’s G4238: prassō)

Strong’s G4238: A primary verb meaning to practice, perform, accomplish, or exact payment. In New Testament usage, it carries significant ethical weight, often describing habitual actions or practices that reveal character. Used in both positive contexts of righteous conduct and negative contexts of sinful behavior.

U- Unveiling the Word

πράσσω is a versatile verb that encompasses the concept of habitual practice and deliberate action. Unlike ποιέω which often denotes single acts, πράσσω typically implies continuous or repeated action that shapes character. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in ethical contexts, describing either righteous conduct or sinful practices. The early church particularly emphasized its use in discussing moral behavior and spiritual formation. In Paul’s letters, πράσσω often describes the practical outworking of faith, highlighting the connection between belief and behavior. This understanding remains crucial today as believers wrestle with living out their faith in daily practice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πράσσω, prassō, PRAS-so
• Detailed Pronunciation: PRAS (as in ‘grass’) + so (as in ‘so’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πραγ- (prag-) – related to action or deed
• Present tense suffix: -σσω (-ssō) – forms present tense stem
• The combination creates a verb expressing continuous or habitual action

D – Defining Meanings

• To practice habitually
• To perform repeatedly
• To accomplish or achieve
• To exact payment
• To experience or undergo

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but displays regular Greek verb formation patterns.

Translation Options:

1. Practice – Best captures the habitual aspect
2. Perform – Useful for specific task completion contexts
3. Exact (payment) – Appropriate in financial contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποιέω (poieō) [poy-EH-o] – to make or do, more general in scope
• διαπράσσω (diaprasso) [dee-a-PRAS-so] – to accomplish thoroughly
• See G4238

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, πράσσω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (Present), Punctiliar (Aorist), Completed (Perfect)

Examples:

• Present: πράσσω (I practice)
• Future: πράξω (I will practice)
• Aorist: ἔπραξα (I practiced)
• Perfect: πέπραχα (I have practiced)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes the word’s focus on habitual action and its frequent use in ethical contexts. Thayer’s notes its distinction from ποιέω in implying continuous or repeated action. LSJ provides evidence of its use in financial transactions. Vine’s highlights its importance in describing character-forming practices. Moulton and Milligan document its common use in business papyri for collecting payments.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Collect no more than what you are [πράσσω] required to do.” Luke 3:13

Additional References:
Acts 17:7, Acts 19:19, Romans 1:32, Romans 2:1, Romans 7:15, 2 Corinthians 5:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πράσσω reminds us that the Christian life is not merely about knowing but doing – not sporadic acts but consistent practice. This verb proclaims the good news that King Jesus not only saves us but transforms our daily practices, habits, and character. It emphasizes that the gospel changes not just what we believe but how we live, showing that genuine faith manifests in consistent action.

D – Did You Know?

1. The verb’s use in tax collection contexts influenced early Christian discussions about ethical business practices.
2. It appears in ancient Greek medical texts describing regular therapeutic practices.
3. Early Christian manuscripts often used this word when describing the daily practices of monastic communities.

Strong’s G4238: A primary verb meaning to practice, perform, accomplish, or exact payment. In New Testament usage, it carries significant ethical weight, often describing habitual actions or practices that reveal character. Used in both positive contexts of righteous conduct and negative contexts of sinful behavior.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: practice, action, behavior, ethics, conduct, habits, character, discipline, righteousness, moral behavior, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​