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πρᾶξις

prâxis

G4234 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Action, practice, or deed—typically a specific, concrete act performed by an individual, with emphasis on the act itself as opposed to the general ability or habitual conduct. Also extends to refer to ongoing practice or conduct, and in some contexts, to one's professional function or official capacity. In plural use, can mean practices or courses of action, sometimes with a negative connotation (i.e., wrongful deeds).

Semantic Range

act, deed, practice, conduct, manner of acting, official function, course of action, practice (in a moral sense), concrete action, habitual practice, professional or official duty

Root / Etymology

From πράσσω (to achieve, to do, to accomplish), with the suffix -ις indicating the result or process of an action. The term πρᾶξις denotes the carrying out of an action, as distinct from capacity or intention.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πρᾶξις signifies an action, accomplishment, or practice—often contrasting with θεωρία (contemplation/theory). The term carried both moral and neutral connotations, depending on context. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods (including the New Testament and Septuagint), πρᾶξις continues to designate an individual act or deed, sometimes specifically a morally significant (good or bad) act (Gal 6:4, Col 3:9). The plural (πράξεις) often refers to repeated behaviors or 'ways of acting', sometimes with a focus on misconduct or negative conduct (Romans 8:13, cf. Gal 5:19: 'the works/practices of the flesh'). In administrative or professional contexts, can indicate an official function or office, though this is less common in biblical Greek. Standard English translations ('deed', 'act', 'practice') capture much of its range, but do not always distinguish between singular, concrete actions and habitual or professional practices as the Greek does. Contrast with ἔργον (work, result/achievement), which often focuses on the product or outcome of action, while πρᾶξις centers on the action or practice itself.

Translation Consistency

primary "act" 3 occurrences

“Act” is the most neutral, natural English choice that covers the SILEX range — a concrete deed or action, a course of practice or conduct, and plural ‘acts’ for practices/wrongful deeds. It’s more versatile than the more morally weighted “deed” or the ongoing sense of “practice,” so it fits typical usage across contexts.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"deed" (1x) "function" (1x) "practices" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πράσσω; practice, i.e. (concretely) an act; by extension, a function:--deed, office, work.

Root Family

πρᾶξις (praxis) — act, deed, practice, conduct, function

Root πραξ- to do, to accomplish, to practice

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4234-04 πρᾶξιν praxin N ACC F SG deeds a deed an act 2
G4234-02 πράξεις praxeis N ACC F PL deeds acts acts 2
G4234-01 πράξει praxei N DAT F SG deed with a deed deed 1
G4234-03 πράξεσιν praxesin N DAT F PL practices/deeds for practices practices 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4234-04 Matthew 16:27 πρᾶξιν praxin N ACC F SG deeds a deed an act
G4234-01 Luke 23:51 πράξει praxei N DAT F SG deed with a deed deed
G4234-02 Acts 19:18 πράξεις praxeis N ACC F PL deeds acts acts
G4234-02 Romans 8:13 πράξεις praxeis N ACC F PL deeds acts acts
G4234-04 Romans 12:4 πρᾶξιν praxin N ACC F SG function a deed function
G4234-03 Colossians 3:9 πράξεσιν praxesin N DAT F PL practices/deeds for practices practices
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