πράσσω (prassō)
prassō
to do/require
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb prassō describes action that is habitual, repeated, or deeply ingrained in character. While the more common word poieō often refers to a single act of doing, prassō implies carrying something out repeatedly until it becomes a practice. This distinction highlights the difference between a one-time event and a settled way of life, suggesting that true action involves consistency and moral responsibility.
Scripture uses this word to describe both upright conduct and sinful habits. In Acts 15:29, believers are told to "do well," indicating a state of flourishing through faithful practice. Conversely, John 3:20 contrasts those who do the truth with those who practice evil deeds, showing how the verb captures the nature of one’s ongoing life. It appears frequently in Acts and Romans to emphasize that faith must result in repeated, tangible actions.
Translators often render prassō as "do" or "commit," but these English words can miss the nuance of repetition. The term carries a sense of execution and accomplishment, whether in managing public affairs or exacting tribute. By focusing on the habitual nature of the action, the word reminds readers that character is formed through repeated deeds rather than isolated moments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prassō points to the rhythm of our daily lives rather than isolated moments. It describes actions that have become habits, shaping who we are over time. When Scripture uses this term, it reminds us that character is built through repeated choices, not just single events.
This offers hope for change. If good deeds can become ingrained practices, then faithfulness is a path we walk step by step. Acts 15:29 encourages believers to keep themselves from certain harms so that it may be well with them, showing how consistent obedience leads to flourishing. Your everyday actions matter deeply.
Consider how your routine reflects your values. Whether in work or relationships, the things you do regularly define your witness. Trust that God sees these small, faithful steps and uses them to form Christ-like character in you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to do.3×
- practicing2×
- having done2×
- done2×
- doing.2×
- doing2×
- I do,2×
- you will do.1×
- you shall do;1×
- you do1×
- you acted,1×
- we did1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πράσσω,3×
- πράσσοντες2×
- πράσσειν.2×
- πραξάντων2×
- πεπραγμένον2×
- ἔπραξεν.1×
- ἔπραξεν,1×
- ἔπραξαν.¶1×
- ἔπραξα;1×
- ἐπράξατε,1×
- ἐπράξαμεν1×
- πέπραχά1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
This verse links the habitual practice of abstaining from specific sins with the promise that it will be well with the believers, showing prassō as a path to flourishing.
-
Romans 2:1
Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
Paul uses this word to show that those who judge others often practice the same things themselves, highlighting the hypocrisy of inconsistent moral standards.
-
Acts 26:20
but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
Here prassō describes 'works worthy of repentance,' emphasizing that genuine turning to God must result in tangible, repeated actions rather than mere words.
-
John 3:20
For everyone who does evil hates the light and doesn’t come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.
The contrast between doing evil and coming to the light shows how habitual sin leads to hiding, while truth invites open living.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does prassō mean in the Bible?
How is prassō different from poieō?
Why is this word important for Christian living?
Every Occurrence (37 verses across 10 books)
Luke 5 verses
He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.”
Luke 19:23Then why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?’
Luke 22:23They began to question among themselves which of them it was who would do this thing.
Luke 23:15Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him.
Luke 23:41And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.”