ἐργάζομαι (ergazomai)
ergazomai
to work
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb ergazomai means to work, labor, or perform a task. It covers everything from manual labor and trading to producing moral actions. In the New Testament, it appears 39 times, often describing physical toil or the execution of deeds.
Its meaning shifts with context. Jesus uses it for literal trade in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:16) and for his own labor as a carpenter’s son (John 9:4). Paul contrasts earning wages through work with receiving grace as a gift (Romans 4:4-5), showing that while humans work, salvation is not a wage.
The word connects to the noun ergon (work). It implies active engagement rather than passive existence. Translators render it as "work," "do," or "labor" depending on whether the focus is on the effort, the trade, or the resulting action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ergazomai reminds us that work is not merely a burden but a way to engage with God’s world. Whether you are tending a vineyard, crafting tents, or serving others in daily life, your labor has meaning. It is an active participation in the tasks God has placed before you, reflecting His own creative and sustaining power.
In our faith, this concept bridges the gap between belief and action. While salvation is a gift received through trust, not earned by effort, our lives are still called to reflect that grace through good deeds. Like the woman who anointed Jesus, we are invited to do good works that honor Him, showing our love in tangible ways.
This perspective frees us from anxiety about perfection. We simply do what is in front of us with sincerity. Whether in trade or service, working with integrity becomes a form of worship. It is a quiet way to live out our faith, trusting that God sees and values the effort we put into our daily tasks.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- working10×
- do work3×
- to work2×
- she did2×
- you shall do1×
- you are committing1×
- works.1×
- working,1×
- work do You perform?1×
- we may work1×
- we may be doing1×
- we have worked for,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐργαζόμενοι6×
- ἠργάσατο3×
- ἐργάζεσθε3×
- ἐργάζεσθαι3×
- ἐργάζεται,2×
- ἐργαζώμεθα2×
- ἐργαζόμενος2×
- ἐργαζομένῳ2×
- ἠργάζετο·1×
- ἐργάσῃ1×
- ἐργάζῃ;1×
- ἐργάζου1×
Key Verses
-
John 6:28
They said therefore to him, “What must we do, that we may work the works of God?”
The crowd asks what they must do to work the works of God, highlighting the human desire to earn spiritual standing through labor.
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Romans 4:5
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Paul contrasts working for a reward with believing in God, showing that righteousness comes from faith rather than earned wages.
-
John 9:4
I must work the works of him who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.
Jesus states He must work the works of Him who sent Him, using the term to describe His urgent mission during His earthly life.
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Matthew 25:16
Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
The servant trades with his talents and makes another five, illustrating productive labor that honors the master's trust.
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Acts 18:3
and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
Paul works as a tentmaker, demonstrating how manual trade is a valid and dignified part of Christian witness and livelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ergazomai mean in the New Testament?
Does this word mean we earn salvation by working?
How is ergazomai different from poieo?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (39 verses across 18 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
Matthew 21:28But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’
Matthew 25:16Immediately he who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.