κατεργάζομαι

I work out, produce, accomplish

Definition

The Greek verb κατεργάζομαι means to work out, accomplish, or produce something through effort or activity. It often carries the sense of bringing something to completion or fruition, as in working out salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). In a negative sense, it can mean to produce or bring about something harmful, such as sin producing death (Romans 7:13) or humans producing shameful acts (Romans 1:27). The word emphasizes the effective result of an action, whether good or evil.

Biblical Usage

This verb appears 23 times in the New Testament, predominantly in Paul's letters, especially Romans (9 times) and 2 Corinthians (5 times). It is used in ethical and theological contexts to describe the causal production of spiritual realities. For example, it describes suffering producing perseverance (Romans 5:3-4), the law producing wrath (Romans 4:15), and sin producing death (Romans 7:13). In 2 Corinthians, it describes the eternal glory produced by momentary affliction (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition κατά (kata, meaning 'down' or 'thoroughly') and the verb ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, meaning 'to work'). The compound intensifies the base verb, adding a sense of working something out to a finish, accomplishing something fully, or producing an effect. It shares a root with ἔργον (ergon, 'work').

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it describes the causal link between actions and their spiritual consequences. It is central to Paul's arguments about sin, law, and grace, showing how sin 'produces' death (Romans 7:13) and how God uses suffering to 'produce' character and hope (Romans 5:3-4). Understanding this verb enriches reading by highlighting the active, effective power behind both human sin and divine transformation.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'working out' or 'producing' was common in philosophical and agricultural contexts, emphasizing cause and effect. The word's use for both crops and moral outcomes would have been familiar. Paul applies it to spiritual realities, which may have expanded its typical usage for his audience.

ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, G2038) — a more general term for 'to work' or 'to do', without the intensive, completive force of κατεργάζομαι. ποιέω (poieō, G4160) — a very common verb meaning 'to do' or 'to make', often used for simple action, not necessarily implying a thorough process or result. ἀπεργάζομαι (apergazomai, G655) — a near synonym meaning 'to finish' or 'perform completely', used only once in the NT (1 Peter 4:3).

Word Details

Scripture References