ἔργον

work, labor, action, deed

Definition

The Greek word ἔργον primarily means 'work' or 'deed,' referring to any action, task, or product of labor. In the New Testament, it often denotes human actions, whether good or bad, as seen in Jesus' call to let good works shine before others (Matthew 5:16) and in critiques of hypocritical religious deeds (Matthew 23:3, 5). It can also refer to divinely appointed tasks or assignments, such as the work given to servants in parables (Mark 13:34). Furthermore, in a theological sense, it is used for the mighty 'works' or miracles of Jesus that reveal his identity (Matthew 11:2) and for the 'work' of God in salvation.

Biblical Usage

ἔργον appears frequently across the New Testament, especially in the Gospels, Pauline epistles, and James. In the Gospels, it often describes the observable actions of people (e.g., Matthew 23:3) and the miraculous works of Jesus (John 5:36). Paul uses it extensively in discussions of faith versus works of the law (e.g., Romans 3:27-28, Ephesians 2:8-9), while James emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated by works (James 2:14-26). The word also describes God's own creative and redemptive activity (John 6:28-29).

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *werg- meaning 'to do' or 'to work,' it is the source of the English word 'work.' In ancient Greek, it broadly covered the concept of labor, action, or something produced. The related verb ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, G2038) means 'to work' or 'to accomplish.'

Semantic Range

ἔργον is central to key New Testament theological debates, particularly the relationship between faith and works in salvation. Paul contrasts 'works of the law' with justification by faith (Romans 3:28), while James argues that authentic faith necessarily produces good works (James 2:17). It also describes the redemptive 'work' of Christ (John 17:4) and the ongoing 'good works' God prepares for believers (Ephesians 2:10). Understanding this term enriches reading by clarifying these distinct biblical emphases on divine grace and human response.

In the Greco-Roman world, 'work' (ἔργον) carried a broad sense of purposeful activity, from manual labor to intellectual or artistic creation. In Jewish context, 'works' often specifically referred to observances of the Mosaic Law. The New Testament usage sometimes engages this Jewish understanding, while also expanding it to encompass all human action and God's own activity.

πρᾶξις (praxis, G4234) — emphasizes a deed or action, often with a moral character. ποίημα (poiēma, G4161) — a thing made, a product, emphasizing creation. κόπος (kopos, G2873) — labor, toil, emphasizing the hardship or effort involved. ἐνέργεια (energeia, G1753) — working, activity, often divine power in operation.

Word Details

Scripture References