What does οὐ · ἐκ · ἔργον mean in the Bible?
οὐ · ἐκ · ἔργον is a Greek phrase meaning "not from works, not on the basis of deeds".
Greek · G3756, G1537, G2041
οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων
The absolute negative (compare ) adverb; no or not · literal or figurative; direct or remote) · toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
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
οὐG3756the absolute negative (compare ) adverb; no or not
Pronunciationou
Absolute negation of fact, typically with indicative mood; contrasts with μή which negates possibility or commands
Open lexicon entry →ἐκG1537literal or figurative; direct or remote)
Pronunciationek
Open lexicon entry →ἔργονG2041toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Pronunciationérgon
Work as visible deed or accomplishment, whether human action or divine work, emphasizing observable result over mere intention.
Open lexicon entry →What does οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων (ouk ex ergōn) mean in the Bible?
οὐ · ἐκ · ἔργον is a Greek phrase meaning "not from works, not on the basis of deeds".
Full entry for οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων (G3756, G1537, G2041) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for G3756, G1537, G2041?
G3756, G1537, G2041 is connected to 1,605 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Greek phrase. not from works, not on the basis of deeds
Source Gloss
not from works, not on the basis of deeds
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 2 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 patterns2Aligned forms1605
Matt 1:25 · Matt 2:18 · Matt 3:11 · Matt 4:4 · Matt 4:7 · Matt 5:14 · Matt 5:17 · Matt 5:18 · Matt 5:20 · Matt 5:21 · Matt 5:26 · Matt 5:27 · Matt 5:33 · Matt 5:36 · Matt 6:1 · Matt 6:51537×
Matt 6:26 · Matt 6:30 · Matt 7:22 · Matt 12:3 · Matt 12:5 · Matt 13:55 · Matt 15:17 · Matt 17:24 · Matt 18:33 · Matt 19:4 · Matt 20:15 · Matt 22:31 · Matt 24:2 · Mark 4:21 · Mark 4:38 · Mark 6:368×
Word Origins
οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων is a primary word - no further derivation.