Lexical Summary pragma: Matter, thing, affair, business, deed Original Word: πρᾶγμα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance business, matter, thing, work. From prasso; a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material) -- business, matter, thing, work. see GREEK prasso HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4229 prágma (from 4238 /prássō, "accomplishing by regular practice") – properly, the habit needed to accomplish what is necessary, i.e. in a practical, reliable way. See 4231 (pragmateuomai). 4229 /prágma ("everyday business") always has incalculable eternal worth when done in faith (by God's inworked persuasions). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom prassó Definition a deed, a matter NASB Translation anything* (1), case (1), deed (1), matter (3), thing (1), things (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4229: πρᾶγμαπρᾶγμα, πράγματος, τό (πράσσω), from (Pindar), Aeschylus, Herodotus down, the Sept. chiefly for דָּבָר a. that which has been done, a deed, an accomplished fact: Luke 1:1; Acts 5:4; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Hebrews 6:18. b. what is doing or being accomplished: James 3:16; specifically, business (commercial transaction), 1 Thessalonians 4:6 (so Winers Grammar, 115 (109); others refer this example to c. and render in the matter (spoken of, or conventionally understood; cf. Green, Gram., p. 26f)). c. a matter (in question), affair: Matthew 18:19; Romans 16:2; specifically, in a forensic sense, a matter at law, case, suit (Xenophon, mem. 2, 9, 1; Demosthenes, 1120, 26; Josephus, Antiquities 14, 10, 17): πρᾶγμα ἔχειν πρός τινα (A. V. having a matter against, etc.), 1 Corinthians 6:1. d. that which is or exists, a thing: Hebrews 10:1; πράγματα οὐ βλεπόμενα, Hebrews 11:1 (see ἐλπίζω).*, Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term The noun πράγμα (pragma) speaks of concrete realities—acts, circumstances, events, or issues that call for attention and decision. Its New Testament usage ranges from recorded historical facts to the unseen certainties of faith, uniting doctrine with daily life. Narrated Events and Historical Certainty Luke 1:1 introduces the Gospel as a careful account “of the things that have been fulfilled among us.” By choosing pragma, Luke stresses that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are verifiable happenings. Christian preaching therefore rests not on myth but on public events open to investigation, offering modern readers a firm historical foundation for faith. Legal Disputes and Community Ethics In 1 Corinthians 6:1 Paul confronts believers who take a “dispute” before pagan courts. A pragma in this context is a lawsuit—an everyday issue that must be handled under Christ’s rule. The passage establishes a model for church-based mediation, urging believers to resolve grievances internally, protect the church’s witness, and embody the reconciling gospel. Personal Conduct and Moral Accountability Acts 5:4 calls Ananias’s deception “this deed,” underscoring that sin is an actual offense against God’s holiness. James 3:16 widens the warning: envy leads to “every evil practice.” 1 Thessalonians 4:6 forbids exploiting a brother “in this matter,” especially in sexual or financial realms. Each verse affirms that every act—public or private—falls under divine scrutiny, pressing believers toward transparent integrity. Mutual Service within the Body of Christ Romans 16:2 urges the Roman saints to help Phoebe “in whatever matter she may need,” showing that pragma can denote practical ministry tasks. In 2 Corinthians 7:11 Paul praises the Corinthians for clearing themselves “in this matter” of discipline, illustrating the fruit of genuine repentance. These texts champion concrete assistance, hospitality, and relational restoration as normal expressions of Christian love. Faith, Hope, and the Unseen Realities Hebrews 6:18 speaks of “two unchangeable things” securing our hope; Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of what we hope for.” Here pragma rises from earthly affairs to the eternal acts and promises of God. The believer’s confidence rests on divine deeds that cannot be altered, anchoring endurance amid trials. The Mosaic Law as Shadow of Better Things Hebrews 10:1 says the Law is “only a shadow of the good things to come, not the realities themselves.” The sacrifices pointed to the substantive, once-for-all work of Christ. The passage contrasts tentative ritual with consummated redemption, assuring worshipers that the finished work of Jesus is the ultimate pragma securing forgiveness. Corporate Prayer and Agreement Matthew 18:19 promises, “If two of you on earth agree about any matter you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.” United prayer focuses on specific concerns—discipline, provision, mission strategy—confident that the Father acts in response to the harmony of His children. Ministry Implications • Discipleship must confront real behavior, not mere theory. Theological Reflection From daily disputes to eternal certainties, pragma threads through Scripture to declare that God’s kingdom touches every “thing.” His redemptive deeds stand unshakable, His moral demands penetrate every action, and His promises guarantee the unseen future. Therefore Christians live, serve, reconcile, and pray with the confidence that each affair is under the sovereign, trustworthy hand of God. Forms and Transliterations πραγμα πράγμα πρᾶγμα πράγμασιν πράγματα πραγματι πράγματι πραγματος πράγματος πραγματων πραγμάτων pragma prâgma pragmati prágmati pragmaton pragmatōn pragmáton pragmátōn pragmatos prágmatosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 18:19 N-GNSGRK: περὶ παντὸς πράγματος οὗ ἐὰν KJV: any thing that INT: concerning any matter that if Luke 1:1 N-GNP Acts 5:4 N-ANS Romans 16:2 N-DNS 1 Corinthians 6:1 N-ANS 2 Corinthians 7:11 N-DNS 1 Thessalonians 4:6 N-DNS Hebrews 6:18 N-GNP Hebrews 10:1 N-GNP Hebrews 11:1 N-GNP James 3:16 N-NNS Strong's Greek 4229 |
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