ἀργός (argos)
argos
idle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective argos describes someone who is idle or inactive, literally meaning "without work." Its root combines a negative prefix with ergon, the word for work or deed. In the New Testament, it appears in passages like Matthew 20:3 and 6, where laborers stand unused in the marketplace, and in pastoral letters such as 1 Timothy 5:13, warning against women who learn to be idle by wandering from house to house.
Beyond physical laziness, the term carries a metaphorical weight for spiritual ineffectiveness. It describes words or faith that fail to produce results, as seen in Matthew 12:36 regarding careless speech and James 2:20 where faith without works is called dead. This distinguishes it from simple rest; it implies a failure to fulfill one’s intended purpose.
Translators often render this word as "idle," but the sense extends to worthlessness or uselessness when applied to non-human subjects. The sources note its use in describing ineffective faith or speech, highlighting that true activity is expected of believers. This usage underscores the biblical expectation that inner belief should manifest in outward action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word argos describes a state of being idle, inactive, or without work. It comes from a root meaning 'without deed,' pointing to a lack of purposeful action. In the New Testament, this term is used not just for physical laziness but also for spiritual ineffectiveness. It reminds us that our faith and words should produce visible results in how we live.
When Jesus spoke of idle words or idle laborers, He highlighted the importance of using our time and gifts for good. This word challenges us to consider whether our lives are bearing fruit. It is an invitation to move from passivity to active love, ensuring that our belief in Christ shapes our daily actions and interactions with others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- idle3×
- worthless1×
- lazy.1×
- idle?1×
- idle,1×
- careless1×
- [to be] idle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀργούς2×
- ἀργὸν1×
- ἀργή1×
- ἀργοὺς1×
- ἀργοί;1×
- ἀργαί.1×
- ἀργαί,1×
- ἀργαὶ1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 20:3
He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
This verse uses the word to describe laborers standing unused in the marketplace, illustrating a literal lack of work and opportunity.
-
James 2:20
But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?
Here the concept is applied to faith without works, showing that belief must result in action to be considered alive and effective.
-
II Peter 1:8
For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter warns that spiritual qualities prevent believers from being idle or unfruitful, linking Christian growth directly to productive activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word argos mean?
How is argos different from resting?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
Matthew 20:3He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.
Matthew 20:6About the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day…