Lexical Summary ergatés: Worker, laborer Original Word: ἐργάτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance laborer, workman. From ergon; a toiler; figuratively, a teacher -- labourer, worker(-men). see GREEK ergon HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2040 ergátēs (from 2038 /ergázomai, "to work") – a workman (laborer). See 2041 (ergon). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ergazomai Definition a workman NASB Translation laborer (2), laborers (6), worker (1), workers (4), workman (1), workmen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2040: ἐργάτηςἐργάτης, ἐργάτου, ὁ (ἐργάζομαι); 1. as in Greek writings a workman, a laborer: usually one who works for hire, Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18; especially an agricultural laborer, Matthew 9:37; Matthew 20:1f, 8; Luke 10:2; James 5:4 (Wis. 17:16); those whose labor artificers employ (i. e. workmen in the restricted sense), Acts 19:25 (opposed to τοῖς τεχνίταις (A. V. craftsmen), Acts 19:24), cf. Bengel at the passage; those who as teachers labor to propagate and promote Christianity among men: 2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15, cf. Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2. 2. one who does, a worker, perpetrator: τῆς ἀδικίας, Luke 13:27 (τῆς ἀνομίας, 1 Macc. 3:6; τῶν καλῶν καί σεμνῶν, Xenophon, mem. 2, 1, 27). Strong’s Greek 2040, ergatēs, designates a person actively engaged in work—whether agricultural, artisanal, commercial, or ministerial. In the New Testament the word moves beyond mere occupation to convey spiritual service, moral character, and eschatological accountability. Frequency and Distribution Ergatēs appears sixteen times, spanning the Synoptic Gospels, Acts, Pauline and Catholic Epistles: Matthew (7×), Luke (4×), Acts (1×), Pauline Letters (3×), James (1×). The concentration in Matthew’s Gospel reflects Jesus’ teaching on the kingdom’s “harvest,” while the epistolary uses expand the idea to church ministry, sound doctrine, and social justice. Dominant Images 1. Harvest Field (Matthew 9:37-38; Luke 10:2) Jesus frames kingdom mission in agrarian terms: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The metaphor underscores divine readiness to gather souls and the urgent need for obedient servants. Prayer for more workers is not merely a request for manpower but for God-appointed, Spirit-enabled laborers. 2. Vineyard Parable (Matthew 20:1-16) Ergatēs depicts day-laborers hired at different hours. The narrative illustrates God’s sovereign grace, rewarding laborers equally regardless of length of service. The passage counters merit-based religiosity and champions the generosity of the landowner—representing God. 3. Itinerant Ministry Support (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:18) “The worker is worthy of his provisions” (Matthew 10:10). Apostolic messengers are entitled to material support from those they serve. Paul later confirms the principle, pairing it with Deuteronomy 25:4 (1 Timothy 5:18), giving a biblical basis for remunerating pastors and missionaries. 4. Approved versus Deceitful Workers (2 Corinthians 11:13; Philippians 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15) Paul contrasts true gospel laborers with “false apostles, deceitful workers” (2 Corinthians 11:13). Authentic ministry is marked by doctrinal purity and sacrificial service, whereas pseudo-workers disguise themselves, leading believers astray. Timothy is commanded to present himself “as a worker who does not need to be ashamed” (2 Timothy 2:15). 5. Social Justice and Eschatology (James 5:4) “Look, the wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you” (James 5:4). Here ergatēs anchors a prophetic denunciation of economic oppression, assuring that the Lord of Hosts hears the pleas of the exploited and will judge unrighteous landowners. Socio-Historical Background First-century Palestine and the wider Roman world relied on day-laborers for agriculture and construction. Employment was precarious; laborers congregated in marketplaces hoping to be hired (cf. Matthew 20:3). Jesus and the apostles mined this social reality to communicate spiritual truths readily grasped by common hearers. Ministry Implications • Prayer Initiative: Congregations are to heed Jesus’ command by praying intentionally for God to raise qualified laborers for local and global mission fields. Christological Perspective Jesus is simultaneously the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38) and the model worker who “must do the works of Him who sent Me” (John 9:4). His earthly ministry sets the pattern for self-giving labor culminating in the cross, thus delegating kingdom work to His followers empowered by the Spirit. Ethical and Eschatological Dimensions Ergatēs carries an implicit promise of reward and accountability. Whether wages in the parable or the Lord’s recognition at His return, the New Testament envisages a final settlement where faithful service is honored and exploitative practices condemned. Practical Applications for the Church Today 1. Establish harvest-focused prayer meetings. Summary Ergatēs unites everyday labor with kingdom vocation. From fields to pulpits, from marketplaces to mission fronts, the New Testament elevates workers who align with God’s purposes, empowers them through prayer and truth, and assures them of divine justice and eternal reward. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 9:37 N-NMPGRK: οἱ δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι NAS: is plentiful, but the workers are few. KJV: but the labourers [are] few; INT: the however workmen [are] few Matthew 9:38 N-AMP Matthew 10:10 N-NMS Matthew 20:1 N-AMP Matthew 20:2 N-GMP Matthew 20:8 N-AMP Luke 10:2 N-NMP Luke 10:2 N-AMP Luke 10:7 N-NMS Luke 13:27 N-NMP Acts 19:25 N-AMP 2 Corinthians 11:13 N-NMP Philippians 3:2 N-AMP 1 Timothy 5:18 N-NMS 2 Timothy 2:15 N-AMS James 5:4 N-GMP Strong's Greek 2040 |
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