Understanding ἀργέω (argeō) Strong’s G691: The Stunning Biblical Insight into Slackness and Divine Judgment’s Delay

Pronunciation Guide: ar-GEH-oh (rhymes with “cargo”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G691: The Greek verb ἀργέω means “to be idle, inactive, or to delay.” It carries the sense of something being ineffective, slack, or delayed in its execution, particularly in contexts of judgment or promised action.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Words: Derived from ἀργός (argos), meaning “inactive, idle, lazy”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in prophetic and teaching passages

ἀργέω Morphology:

• ἀργέω (present active indicative) – I am idle/inactive
• ἀργήσει (future active indicative) – it will be idle/delayed
• ἀργεῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it is idle/delayed

Origin & History

The word ἀργέω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it primarily described physical inactivity or unemployment. Xenophon uses it in his “Memorabilia” to describe idle workers, while Plutarch employs it to describe military forces remaining inactive during crucial moments.

In the Septuagint, though the verb ἀργέω itself is rare, its root ἀργός appears in contexts describing inactive people or things that have ceased from their proper function. This usage bridges the classical meaning to its New Testament theological significance.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To be inactive or idle when action is expected
• To delay or tarry in executing a promised action
• To be ineffective or without result
• To neglect or fail to fulfill one’s duty

ἀργέω Translation Options:

• “to delay” – emphasizes the temporal aspect of inaction
• “to be idle” – focuses on the state of inactivity
• “to tarry” – captures both the delay and deliberate nature
• “to be ineffective” – emphasizes the lack of expected results

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀργέω appears most prominently in 2 Peter 2:3, where Peter assures his readers that God’s judgment against false teachers “does not delay.” This usage is particularly significant as it connects to the larger theme of divine timing and judgment in Peter’s epistles.

The word carries special weight in its context, assuring believers that despite apparent delays in judgment, God’s promises remain active and certain. This connects to Peter’s later discussion in 2 Peter 3:9 about the Lord’s timing.

• “Their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.” 2 Peter 2:3

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, ἀργέω often appeared in legal contexts, particularly in discussions of contracts and promises that remained unfulfilled. This legal background enriches our understanding of Peter’s use in discussing divine judgment, as he employs terminology his readers would associate with binding legal guarantees.

The concept also connects to the Hebrew understanding of God’s justice as expressed in the prophets, where apparent delay in judgment never equals abandonment of justice. This reflects the Jewish concept of “already but not yet” in divine judgment.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀργέω in 2 Peter provides profound insight into God’s character and His relationship to time. While humans might perceive delay in divine judgment as inactivity or neglect, Peter assures us that God’s justice is never truly idle or ineffective.

This word choice beautifully balances God’s patience with His certain judgment, showing that what might appear as divine delay is actually purposeful patience allowing for repentance. It reveals God’s heart in judgment – not slack or negligent, but perfectly timed according to His wisdom and mercy.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀργέω challenges us to evaluate our perspective on God’s timing. When we feel that justice is delayed or that God’s promises are inactive, this word reminds us that divine timing operates on a different plane than human expectations.

This understanding calls us to trust God’s perfect timing while maintaining vigilance and readiness for His action. It encourages patient endurance while assuring us of the certainty of God’s promises.

Related Words

• βραδύνω (bradynō) – “to delay, be slow” – emphasizes the slowness of action rather than inactivity. See G1019
• καταργέω (katargeō) – “to make ineffective, nullify” – stronger form indicating complete cessation. See G2673
• νωθρός (nōthros) – “sluggish, lazy” – describes character rather than action. See G3576

Did you Know?

• The word ἀργέω shares its root with the modern English word “energy” (through ἐνεργέω), though they developed in opposite semantic directions
• In ancient Greek business documents, ἀργέω was sometimes used to describe capital lying unused, providing insight into its broader meaning of “ineffectiveness”
• The concept in 2 Peter 2:3 of judgment not being “idle” connects to Jesus’s teaching about the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, emphasizing God’s certain response to prayer

Remember This

Divine delay is not divine inaction – God’s timing is perfect, His justice certain, and His promises never truly idle.