ἀργέω
Be idle
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What does ἀργέω (argéō) mean in the Bible?
ἀργέω (argéō) is a Greek word meaning "be idle". ἀργέω, -ῶ (ἀργός), [in LXX: Est. Describes faith without works as spiritually barren and powerless. This term runs through the canonical themes of Faith.
Meaning
To be idle or inactive; implies negligence or delay in fulfilling responsibility or justice.
(ἀργός), [in LXX: Est.4:24, Ecc.12:3 (בָּטֵל), I Est.2:30, Sir.33:27), 2Ma.5:25 * ;] to be idle; τὸ κρίμα . . . ἀ., lingers (cf. MGr. ἀργά, late: MM, see word): 2Pe.2:3.
Why This Word Matters
Describes faith without works as spiritually barren and powerless. James 2:18–20
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 1 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.