Lexical Summary argeó: To be idle, to be inactive, to be lazy Original Word: ἀργέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance linger. From argos; to be idle, i.e. (figuratively) to delay -- linger. see GREEK argos HELPS Word-studies 691 argéō (from 692 /argós, "idle") – properly, motionless (at rest); doing nothing ("inactive"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom argos Definition to be idle NASB Translation idle (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 691: ἀργέωἀργέω, ἀργῷ; (to be ἀργός, which see); to be idle, inactive; contextually, to linger, delay: 2 Peter 2:3 οἷς τό κρίμα ἔκπαλαι οὐκ ἀργεῖ, i. e. whose punishment has long been impending and will shortly fall. (In Greek writings from Sophocles down.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 691 occurs once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 2:3, describing the sure and active nature of God’s judgment against false teachers. The verb pictures something that refuses to lie dormant or inactive; it is continually at work. Context in 2 Peter 2:3 Peter exposes teachers who, motivated by greed, exploit believers “with fabricated words”. He then assures the church, “Their condemnation has been long standing and is not idle, and their destruction does not sleep.” The single verb underscores two realities: 1. God’s verdict was issued long ago; it stands ready for execution. Divine Justice: Never Idle Scripture consistently portrays God’s judgments as certain and timely, though often operating beyond human perception: • Deuteronomy 32:35 – “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay.” The single use of ἀργέω echoes these texts: God’s judicial machinery does not stall; timing rests in His sovereign wisdom. False Teachers and Their Fate Peter’s epistle links the word to condemnation resting over those who: By declaring that condemnation “is not idle,” Peter calls the church to discernment. Economic or numerical success never cancels divine censure. Judgment is already advancing. Historical Background First-century believers watched a growing network of itinerant teachers mix gospel language with licentious practice. Jewish apocalyptic traditions and Roman legal rhetoric both emphasized delayed but inevitable retribution. Peter speaks into that cultural setting, assuring Christians that God’s verdict moves forward just as decisively as any Roman edict—indeed, more so. Eschatological Significance Peter later affirms that scoffers will question the apparent delay of the Parousia (2 Peter 3:3-4), yet “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise” (2 Peter 3:9). The single occurrence of ἀργέω in 2 Peter 2:3 anticipates this argument: any seeming postponement is only patience, not inactivity. Pastoral and Ministry Application 1. Vigilance—Leaders must guard doctrine, knowing that God’s active judgment stands behind the call to purity (1 Timothy 4:16). Related Biblical Parallels • Hebrews 10:27 – A “terrifying expectation of judgment” already operative. Summary Though appearing only once, ἀργέω powerfully communicates that God’s condemnation of false teachers is active, relentless, and certain. The word reassures the faithful, warns the wayward, and undergirds the church’s task of guarding the truth until Christ’s return. Forms and Transliterations αργει ἀργεῖ αργία αργίαν αργίας αργούν ήργησαν ήργησε argei argeîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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