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ποιητής

poiētḗs

G4163 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

One who makes or produces something; broadly, a creator or maker. In literary contexts, refers specifically to a composer of poetry or verse (poet). In moral or practical contexts, denotes an active doer, someone who carries out or performs actions, especially in contrast with merely hearing or knowing. The term underscores the role of actively effecting or bringing about something, whether tangible, verbal, or ethical.

Semantic Range

maker, creator, poet, composer, performer, doer, practitioner, one who acts

Root / Etymology

From ποιέω (to make, to do); ποιητής is an agent noun formed with the suffix -τής, indicating one who does or makes.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ποιητής primarily means 'maker' or 'poet,' with an emphasis on a person who composes poetry or creates works of art (cf. Plato, Aristotle: ποιητής as 'poet'). The term broadens in Hellenistic and Koine Greek to a general sense of 'doer,' not limited to artistic creation. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, ποιητής is often used in contrast to ἀκροατής (hearer), signifying the difference between one who performs or practices and one who only listens or receives. For example, in James 1:22–25, ποιητής describes someone who acts on what they hear (a 'doer of the word'), not merely a hearer. This use departs from the strict sense of 'poet' or 'artistic creator' and places emphasis on practical conduct. English translations vary: in literary contexts, 'poet' is appropriate; in ethical or practical instruction, 'doer' or 'practitioner' better reflects intended meaning. In non-biblical Koine literature, ποιητής retains both artistic and general 'maker' senses depending on context.

Translation Consistency

primary "do" 3 occurrences

ποιητής most often functions in contexts that contrast active performing with mere hearing or knowing (e.g. James ‘doers’). Choosing the simple, natural verb “do” yields the common English noun “doer” where needed, captures the typical moral/practical sense of one who acts, and is broad enough to cover maker/creator senses in ordinary usage. It also keeps phrasing natural across all inflected forms.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"doers" (2x) "poets" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ποιέω; a performer; specially, a "poet"; --doer, poet.

Root Family

ποιητής (poiētēs) — to make, to do, to bring about

Root ποιη- to make, to do, to bring about

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4163-02 ποιητής poietes N NOM M SG doer maker one who does 3
G4163-01 ποιηταὶ poietai N NOM M PL doers makers doers 2
G4163-03 ποιητῶν poieton N GEN M PL poets of makers poets 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4163-03 Acts 17:28 ποιητῶν poieton N GEN M PL poets of makers poets
G4163-01 Romans 2:13 ποιηταὶ poietai N NOM M PL doers makers doers
G4163-01 James 1:22 ποιηταὶ poietai N NOM M PL doers makers doers
G4163-02 James 1:23 ποιητής poietes N NOM M SG doer maker one who does
G4163-02 James 1:25 ποιητὴς poietes N NOM M SG doer maker one who does
G4163-02 James 4:11 ποιητὴς poietes N NOM M SG a doer maker one who does
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