προσεργάζομαι

I gain

Definition

The verb προσεργάζομαι means 'to gain in addition' or 'to produce extra.' It carries the sense of acquiring something beyond what was originally present or expected, often through effort or work. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Luke 19:16, it describes the servant who, through trading, earned an additional ten minas beyond the one entrusted to him. This implies productive activity that yields a profitable increase. The prefix 'πρόσ-' (pros) adds the nuance of 'to' or 'in addition to,' intensifying the basic idea of working to gain.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in the Parable of the Ten Minas (Luke 19:11-27). Specifically, in Luke 19:16, the first servant reports, 'Lord, your mina has earned ten more.' Here, it describes the successful result of faithful trading and stewardship. The context is one of accountability and reward, where the servant's diligent work produces a significant increase for his master. Its singular usage highlights a specific narrative moment of fruitful labor.

Etymology

The word is a compound verb formed from the preposition πρό (pro, meaning 'before' or 'in addition to') and a root related to ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, G2038), which means 'to work' or 'to accomplish.' Thus, προσεργάζομαι literally means 'to work for' or 'to work so as to gain something additional.' It shares a root with common words for work and deed, like ἔργον (ergon, G2041).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates the biblical principle of faithful stewardship and fruitfulness. In the parable, the servant's 'gaining in addition' demonstrates active, obedient faith that multiplies what the master has entrusted. It contrasts with the wicked servant who merely preserved the deposit. The concept connects to teachings on using God-given resources (talents, time, the gospel) productively for the Kingdom, expecting a reward based on faithfulness (cf. Matthew 25:14-30). Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing that God expects proactive, fruitful labor, not passive preservation.

In the cultural setting of Luke 19, minas were substantial sums of money. The practice of entrusting capital to servants for trade or investment was common in the ancient Greco-Roman world, especially within the system of absentee landowners. The expectation was not just safekeeping, but profitable enterprise. The servant's use of προσεργάζομαι reflects this economic reality where gain was achieved through active commerce and initiative, a concept readily understood by Jesus's original audience.

ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai, G2038) — a more general term meaning 'to work' or 'to do,' without the specific nuance of gaining additional profit. κερδαίνω (kerdainō, G2770) — means 'to gain' or 'to win,' often in a commercial or spiritual sense, but lacks the compound prefix emphasizing 'in addition.' ποιέω (poieō, G4160) — a very broad term meaning 'to do' or 'to make,' not specifically focused on gain through work.

Word Details

Scripture References