Strong's Lexicon ergasia: Work, business, trade, gain, practice Original Word: ἐργασία Word Origin: Derived from ἔργον (ergon), meaning "work" or "deed." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ergasia," the concept of work is often expressed in Hebrew by words like מְלָאכָה (melakah, H4399) meaning "work" or "occupation," and עֲבוֹדָה (avodah, H5656) meaning "service" or "labor." Usage: The Greek word "ergasia" primarily refers to the concept of work or business, often in the context of trade or occupation. It can also imply the result or gain from such work. In the New Testament, "ergasia" is used to describe both legitimate business activities and, at times, practices that are morally questionable or sinful. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, work and trade were essential aspects of daily life. The economy was largely based on agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade. The concept of "ergasia" would have been familiar to early Christians, many of whom were engaged in various trades and occupations. The New Testament reflects the importance of work, both as a means of provision and as a context for ethical and moral behavior. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ergon Definition work (noun) NASB Translation business (2), effort (1), practice (1), profit (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2039: ἐργασίαἐργασία, ἐργασίας, ἡ, (ἐργάζομαι; 1. equivalent to τό ἐργάζεσθαι, a working, performing: ἀκαθαρσίας, Ephesians 4:19. 2. work, business: Acts 19:25 (Xenophon, oec. 6, 8, et al.). 3. gain got by work, profit: Acts 16:19; παρέχειν ἐργασίαν τίνι, Acts 16:16; Acts 19:24 (yet others refer this to 2 above); (Xenophon, mem. 3, 10, 1; cyneg. 3, 3; Polybius 4, 50, 3). 4. endeavor, pains (A. V. diligence): δίδωμι ἐργασίαν, after the Latinismoperam do, Luke 12:58 (Hermog. de invent. 3, 5, 7). From ergates; occupation; by implication, profit, pains -- craft, diligence, gain, work. see GREEK ergates Englishman's Concordance Luke 12:58 N-AFSGRK: ὁδῷ δὸς ἐργασίαν ἀπηλλάχθαι ἀπ' NAS: [there] make an effort to settle KJV: give diligence that thou mayest be delivered INT: way give earnestness to be set free from Acts 16:16 N-AFS Acts 16:19 N-GFS Acts 19:24 N-AFS Acts 19:25 N-GFS Ephesians 4:19 N-AFS Strong's Greek 2039 |