ἔργον (ergon)
ergon
work
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 161 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun ergon refers to work, task, or deed, covering everything from daily employment to significant acts. In the New Testament it appears 161 times, with heavy usage in John’s writings and Paul’s letters. It translates Hebrew terms for labor or action in the Septuagint, carrying a sense of concrete accomplishment rather than abstract thought.
Its meaning shifts with context: it can mean physical labor, as when Jesus speaks of His Father’s work (John 5:17), or moral deeds, such as the "works of darkness" Paul urges believers to avoid (Ephesians 5:11). A key distinction in Scripture is between words and works; Luke notes that Jesus did all things in word and deed (Luke 24:19), showing both speech and action are vital.
Theologically, ergon carries weight in debates about faith and law. Paul argues that no one is justified by works of the law (Romans 3:20), emphasizing grace over human effort. Yet he also calls believers to good works (Ephesians 2:10), showing that genuine faith produces visible action. The word reminds readers that belief is not merely internal but expressed through tangible deeds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ergon reminds us that faith is not a private feeling but a visible reality. When Jesus spoke of doing the Father’s work, He showed that our daily actions carry spiritual weight. This does not mean we earn salvation through effort. Instead, it means that genuine trust in God naturally produces good deeds. Your life becomes a witness when your actions align with your beliefs.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of constant productivity. Yet Scripture invites us to rest in grace while still engaging in meaningful service. Good works are not a burden to carry alone but a response to the love we have received. They shine like light, pointing others toward the Father who gives life and purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 161 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- works93×
- work38×
- deeds11×
- a work4×
- works,3×
- deed3×
- work.2×
- the works2×
- deeds.2×
- [the] work2×
- works:1×
- works.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔργα59×
- ἔργον37×
- ἔργων36×
- ἔργοις13×
- ἔργῳ8×
- ἔργου6×
- ἔργων,3×
- ἔργῳ,2×
- ἔργον.2×
- ἔργα.2×
- ἔργῳ.¶1×
- ἔργων·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 5:16
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
This verse links visible good works directly to the glorification of God, showing that our actions are a primary way others encounter His character.
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John 6:29
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
Jesus redefines the 'work of God' as belief in Him, clarifying that faith itself is the foundational action required by God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ergon mean in the New Testament?
How is ergon different from pistis (faith)?
Why does John use ergon so frequently?
Every Occurrence (161 verses across 26 books)
Matthew 6 verses
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 11:2Now when John heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples
Matthew 11:19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax…
Matthew 23:3All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don’t do their works; for they say, and…
Matthew 23:5But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the fringes of their…
Matthew 26:10However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good work for me.