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ἐνεργέω

energéō

G1754 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be at work, to operate, to be active; denotes the exercise or exertion of power, functioning, or influence. In various contexts, it refers to (1) the activity or operation of a force or power, (2) the carrying out of an action, (3) making something effective or operative, or (4) showing oneself to be active in a process or result.

Semantic Range

to be at work, to operate, to be effective, to produce an effect, to accomplish, to bring about, to exercise power, to display activity, to function

Root / Etymology

From ἐνεργής (energes, 'active, operative'), which is a compound of ἐν ('in') + ἔργον ('work, action'). The verb thus literally means 'to be at work' or 'to operate'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb ἐνεργέω appears in both secular and religious Greek texts from the Hellenistic period onward. In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, it generally describes the functioning or operation of a force or agent, from natural phenomena to human activity. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is often employed for both divine and human activity, emphasizing efficacy and visible effect. In New Testament usage, it frequently connotes energetic or effective working, often with a focus on the agency (divine or human) that brings about noticeable results (e.g., God's activity in believers or the effectiveness of prayer). English translations such as 'work,' 'effect,' or 'accomplish' can sometimes obscure the sense of active, ongoing operation inherent in the term, which is more dynamic than merely 'doing.' Differentiated from related verbs such as ἐργάζομαι (to work, labor), which emphasizes the process of working rather than the effective operation or result. ἐνεργέω tends to describe something producing results or being actively at work, often with a sense of power or energy. The term provided the basis for later words about energy and efficacy in scientific and philosophical Greek.

Translation Consistency

primary "work" 20 occurrences

"Work" naturally covers the typical senses of ἐνεργέω — to be at work, to operate, to produce an effect or exercise power — and is idiomatic in English translations (e.g. "God works," "He is at work in you"). It is broad enough to handle agentive and operational uses while remaining simple and consistent.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"operated" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐνεργής; to be active, efficient:--do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).

Root Family

ἐνεργέω (energeō) — to be active, to operate, to be at work, to effect

Root ἐνεργ- to be active, to operate, to effect, to be at work

Word Forms

13 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1754-03 ἐνεργεῖται energeitai V PRS MID IND 3P SG works is actively at work is actively at work 3
G1754-08 ἐνεργῶν energon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG who works being at work being at work 3
G1754-12 ἐνεργοῦντος energountos V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG who works of the one operating of the one working 2
G1754-10 ἐνεργουμένην energoumenen V PRS MID PTCP ACC F SG which works being at work being at work 2
G1754-13 ἐνεργοῦσιν energousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL are at work they are at work they are working 2
G1754-09 ἐνεργουμένη energoumene V PRS MID PTCP NOM F SG effectual fervent being at work (herself) working (herself) 2
G1754-04 ἐνηργεῖτο energeito V IMPF MID IND 3P SG were at work was at work was at work 1
G1754-05 ἐνήργηκεν energeken V PRF ACT IND 3P SG He worked has been at work has been at work 1
G1754-07 ἐνήργησεν energesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG worked operated operated 1
G1754-01 ἐνεργεῖ energei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG works is at work is at work 1

Occurrences in Scripture

21 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1754-13 Matthew 14:2 ἐνεργοῦσιν energousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL are at work they are at work they are working
G1754-13 Mark 6:14 ἐνεργοῦσιν energousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL are at work they are at work they are working
G1754-04 Romans 7:5 ἐνηργεῖτο energeito V IMPF MID IND 3P SG were at work was at work was at work
G1754-08 1 Corinthians 12:6 ἐνεργῶν energon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG who works being at work being at work
G1754-01 1 Corinthians 12:11 ἐνεργεῖ energei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG works is at work is at work
G1754-11 2 Corinthians 1:6 ἐνεργουμένης energoumenes V PRS MID PTCP GEN F SG is effective of the one being at work of the one being at work
G1754-03 2 Corinthians 4:12 ἐνεργεῖται energeitai V PRS MID IND 3P SG works is actively at work is actively at work
G1754-06 Galatians 2:8 ἐνεργήσας energesas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG having worked having been at work having been at work
G1754-07 Galatians 2:8 ἐνήργησεν energesen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG worked operated operated
G1754-08 Galatians 3:5 ἐνεργῶν energon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG works being at work being at work
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