1756. energés

Lexical Summary

energés: Active, effective, powerful

Original Word: ἐνεργής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: energés
Pronunciation: en-er-GACE
Phonetic Spelling: (en-er-gace')
KJV: effectual, powerful
NASB: effective, active
Word Origin: [from G1722 (ἔν - among) and G2041 (ἔργον - works)]

1. active, operative

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

effectual, powerful.

From en and ergon; active, operative -- effectual, powerful.

see GREEK en

see GREEK ergon

HELPS Word-studies

Cognate: 1756 energḗs (an adjective) – properly, energized, full-of-energy (operative). See 1754 (energeō).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from en and ergon
Definition
at work, active
NASB Translation
active (1), effective (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1756: ἐνεργής

ἐνεργής, ἐνεργες (equivalent to ἐνεργός, equivalent to ὁ ὤν ἐν τῷ ἔργῳ (English at work)), active: Hebrews 4:12; by a somewhat incongruous figuratively, in 1 Corinthians 16:9 a θύρα ἐνεργής is spoken of, 'an opportunity for the working of the gospel'; ἐνεργής γίνομαι ἐν τίνι, in something, Philemon 1:6. ((Aristotle), Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Conceptual Scope

ἐνεργής (Strong’s 1756) conveys the idea of something that is operative, powerful in its working, and therefore certain to achieve its intended result. The term describes not mere activity but focused, fruitful efficiency grounded in God’s own power.

Biblical Usage

1. 1 Corinthians 16:9 – Paul speaks of “a great door for effective work,” marking an opportunity whose success is guaranteed by God even amid opposition.
2. Philemon 6 – Paul prays that Philemon’s “partnership in the faith may become effective,” showing that fellowship grounded in the gospel is expected to yield measurable spiritual fruit.
3. Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is “living and active,” presenting Scripture as divinely energized and inescapably penetrating.

Across these occurrences, the term highlights three spheres of effectual power: missionary endeavor (1 Corinthians), interpersonal ministry (Philemon), and the Word itself (Hebrews).

Contextual Nuances

• In 1 Corinthians 16:9 the adjective qualifies “door,” a common Pauline metaphor for divinely prepared opportunity. The thrust is that the door is not merely open but also productive; resisting forces cannot nullify what God empowers.
• In Philemon 6 the term modifies “partnership” (koinōnia), stressing that authentic Christian fellowship is dynamic rather than passive, releasing practical benefits for all involved.
• In Hebrews 4:12 it stands with “living,” forming a dual description of Scripture: alive (vital) and active (effectual). The coupling underscores the inevitability of Scripture’s impact on the human heart.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency – The adjective affirms that God’s purposes are not abstract intentions; when He opens a door or speaks through His Word, the result is assured. Yet human participation (Paul’s travel plans, Philemon’s hospitality, the reader’s response to Scripture) remains integral.
2. The Nature of Scripture – Hebrews roots the authority of the Bible not only in its origin but also in its ongoing efficacy. The text’s power is contemporaneous, crossing time to confront each generation.
3. Fellowship as Mission – Philemon 6 links effectual power to mutual sharing. Christian community is portrayed as a conduit through which God’s energy flows, transforming relationships and expanding witness.

Historical Interpretation

Early Church writers—such as Chrysostom on 1 Corinthians 16:9—took the word to reassure believers that persecution cannot thwart God’s energetic work. During the Reformation, Hebrews 4:12 became a cornerstone for the doctrine of sola Scriptura, as the Reformers appealed to the active, self-authenticating power of the Word.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Strategic Discernment – Churches should pray for and recognize “effective doors,” measuring opportunities by divine fruitfulness rather than human feasibility.
• Discipleship and Fellowship – Intentional sharing of faith stories, resources, and service releases the “effective” character of gospel partnership, as modeled in Philemon.
• Preaching and Teaching – Confidence in the Word’s inherent power frees ministers from manipulative methods; faithful exposition lets the active Scripture do its penetrating work.

Related Concepts

• ἐνέργεια (energy, operational power) – underscores that God supplies the power behind the “effectiveness.”
• ἰσχύς (strength) – highlights capacity; ἐνεργής emphasizes the successful outcome of that capacity.

Together they portray a God who not only possesses power but also ensures its fruitful deployment in mission, fellowship, and proclamation.

Summary

Strong’s 1756 presents a concise yet profound portrait of God’s effectual working—opening productive doors, energizing gospel partnerships, and driving the living Word deep into the conscience. Recognizing and relying on this divine efficiency transforms both personal discipleship and corporate ministry.

Forms and Transliterations

ενεργης ενεργής ἐνεργής ἐνεργὴς ενεργούς energes energēs energḗs energḕs

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 16:9 Adj-NFS
GRK: μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής καὶ ἀντικείμενοι
NAS: door for effective [service] has opened
KJV: door and effectual is opened unto me,
INT: great and efficient and opposers [are]

Philemon 1:6 Adj-NFS
GRK: πίστεώς σου ἐνεργὴς γένηται ἐν
NAS: may become effective through
KJV: may become effectual by
INT: faith of you efficient might become in

Hebrews 4:12 Adj-NMS
GRK: θεοῦ καὶ ἐνεργὴς καὶ τομώτερος
NAS: is living and active and sharper
KJV: [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper
INT: of God and active and sharper

Strong's Greek 1756
3 Occurrences

ἐνεργής — 3 Occ.