What does ἐργάτης · ἄξιος · μισθός mean in the Bible?
ἐργάτης · ἄξιος · μισθός is a Greek phrase meaning "the worker is worthy of his wages".
Greek · G2040, G514, G3408
ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ
A toiler; figuratively, a teacher · deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise) · pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through theConnect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
ἐργάτηςG2040a toiler; figuratively, a teacher
Pronunciationergátēs
One who labors physically or spiritually; applied to Christian teachers as active workers in God's field.
Open lexicon entry →ἄξιοςG514deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
Pronunciationáxios
Deserving or worthy based on merit or proportional value, demanding appropriate response or judgment.
Open lexicon entry →μισθόςG3408pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
Pronunciationmisthós
Compensation for work or service; notably used of divine rewards for faithfulness and righteous deeds.
Open lexicon entry →What does ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ (axios ho ergatēs tou misthou autou) mean in the Bible?
ἐργάτης · ἄξιος · μισθός is a Greek phrase meaning "the worker is worthy of his wages".
Full entry for ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ (G2040, G514, G3408) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for G2040, G514, G3408?
G2040, G514, G3408 is connected to 16 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Greek phrase. the worker is worthy of his wages
Source Gloss
the worker is worthy of his wages
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 6 case and number patterns. The form changes show how the word functions in a sentence; they do not change the basic lexical meaning by themselves.
Form patterns6Aligned forms16Case patternAccusative (7)Number patternPlural (12)
Nominative · Plural · MasculineMatt 9:37 · Luke 10:2 · 2 Cor 11:133×
Nominative · Singular · MasculineMatt 10:10 · Luke 10:7 · 1 Tim 5:183×
Genitive · Plural · MasculineMatt 20:2 · Jas 5:42×
Accusative · Plural · MasculineMatt 9:38 · Matt 20:1 · Matt 20:8 · Luke 10:2 · Acts 19:25 · Phil 3:26×
Accusative · Singular · Masculine2 Tim 2:151×
Vocative · Plural · MasculineLuke 13:271×
Word Origins
ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ is built from this root: