πρᾶξις (praxis)
praxis
action
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun praxis refers to an act, deed, or the manner in which one conducts themselves. Derived from a root meaning "to do," it shifts focus from the abstract idea of action to the concrete reality of what is actually performed. In the New Testament, this word appears six times, grounding theological concepts in tangible human behavior.
Its usage reveals a spectrum from neutral function to moral weight. Romans 12:4 describes the diverse functions or "actions" within the body of Christ, highlighting practical service. Conversely, Luke 23:51 and Acts 19:18 use it for specific deeds, including the wicked practices associated with magic. This duality shows that praxis is morally neutral in form but defined by the character of the act itself.
A notable distinction lies in its plural usage. While singular praxis can mean a single transaction or function, the plural often denotes established patterns of conduct or "practices." Romans 8:13 and Colossians 3:9 link these deeds directly to spiritual life or death, emphasizing that faith is validated by visible action rather than internal thought alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word praxis reminds us that faith is not merely a private feeling but something lived out in daily life. It points to the concrete actions we take and the habits we form. When Scripture speaks of deeds, it is looking at the tangible evidence of what is happening inside the heart.
This word appears in contexts ranging from the diverse functions within the church to the serious call to put sinful behaviors to death. Romans 8:13 makes it clear that our spiritual vitality depends on actively resisting actions driven by selfish desires. Instead, we are called to let the Spirit guide our hands and feet toward what is good.
Whether serving in a specific role or simply choosing honesty over deception as seen in Colossians 3:9, your daily choices matter. God sees these small acts of obedience and uses them to shape your character. Let your life be a visible testimony of the grace you have received.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- deeds3×
- practices1×
- function,1×
- deed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πράξεις2×
- πρᾶξιν,1×
- πρᾶξιν1×
- πράξεσιν1×
- πράξει1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 8:13
For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
This verse links the plural form of the word directly to the spiritual outcome of death or life, showing that active resistance to sin is essential for survival.
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Colossians 3:9
Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,
Here the term refers to the specific behaviors associated with the 'old man' that believers have discarded, highlighting the practical nature of putting off sin.
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Romans 12:4
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don’t have the same function,
The word describes the distinct functions or roles within the body of Christ, emphasizing that diverse actions are necessary for the health of the community.