Brief Overview of ἀργός (G692: argós)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: argós

Root Words:

• The term ἀργός (argós) comes from the root word ἀργέω (argéō), which conveys the idea of idleness or inactivity.

Primary Meanings:

• Idle or Inactive: The primary meaning of ἀργός is being idle or inactive, reflecting a lack of work or productivity.
• Unproductive: It can also mean unproductive or barren, referring to something that does not yield results or benefits.
• Sluggish or Ineffectual: In some contexts, it may imply sluggishness or ineffectualness, suggesting a lack of effectiveness or energy.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀργός as meaning idle or unproductive. It is used to describe people or things that do not contribute to productivity or effectiveness. BDAG highlights its metaphorical use to denote ineffectiveness or barrenness.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀργός as meaning “idle,” “inactive,” or “unproductive.” It emphasizes the term’s use to describe a lack of action or results.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀργός denotes idleness or unproductiveness. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe inactivity and lack of effectiveness.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀργός as idle or inactive, with additional connotations of being unproductive or barren. It includes uses in various contexts where idleness or lack of result is highlighted.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀργός as “idle,” noting its use to describe things that are inactive or not contributing productively.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 12:36 (KJV): “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”
• Here, ἀργός is translated as “idle,” referring to words that are unproductive or without purpose.
• Matthew 20:3 (KJV): “And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.”
• The term ἀργός is used to describe those who were not engaged in work.
• 1 Timothy 5:13 (KJV): “And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.”
• ἀργός here describes those who are unproductive and engage in gossip or disruptive behavior.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀργός is used to describe various states of inactivity or lack of effectiveness:

• Homer: Uses ἀργός to describe characters or situations that are inactive or lacking in productivity.
• Aristotle: Refers to ἀργός in his discussions about productivity and effectiveness, often in contrast to diligence and active engagement.
• Plato: Employs the term in philosophical contexts to describe idleness or lack of meaningful activity.

4. Summary:

The Greek term ἀργός (G692: argós) primarily means idle or unproductive, reflecting a state of inactivity or lack of effectiveness. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ provide comprehensive descriptions of its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Biblical references illustrate its application to things or people that do not contribute productively. Classic Greek literature further highlights its use to describe idleness or ineffectiveness.