### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epichorēgía**, represented by `{{G2024}}`, signifies a **contribution** or **supply**. It is a rare term, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, yet it carries significant weight in its contexts, describing a generous and divine provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2024}}` illustrates both spiritual support and communal growth. In Philippians, Paul expresses confidence that his situation will lead to salvation through the believers' prayer and the **supply** of the Spirit of Jesus Christ [[Philippians 1:19]]. In Ephesians, the word is used to describe the function of the body of Christ, where the whole body is compacted by that which every joint **supplieth**, leading to its increase and edification [[Ephesians 4:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the concept of divine and communal provision:
* `{{G860}}` **haphḗ** (joint): Defined as a ligament, this is the very part that provides the supply for the body's growth [[Ephesians 4:16]].
* `{{G1753}}` **enérgeia** (effectual working): This word, meaning efficiency or "energy", describes the manner in which the supply functions within every part of the body [[Ephesians 4:16]].
* `{{G1162}}` **déēsis** (prayer): This term for a petition or request is directly linked with the **supply** of the Spirit in Paul's encouragement to the Philippians [[Philippians 1:19]].
* `{{G3619}}` **oikodomḗ** (edifying): Meaning building or edification, this is the ultimate purpose of the supply that each joint provides to the body [[Ephesians 4:16]].
* `{{G4822}}` **symbibázō** (compacted): This word for being knit together or compacted describes how the body is held together by the very **supply** from its joints [[Ephesians 4:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G2024}}` is centered on the source and purpose of spiritual resources.
* **Divine Provision:** The term points to a supernatural source. In one instance, it is the direct **supply** of the Spirit of Jesus Christ that brings about salvation [[Philippians 1:19]].
* **Interdependence of the Body:** The concept is crucial to understanding church dynamics. The body's growth is not centralized but is the result of what "every joint **supplieth**," highlighting the role of each member in the edification of the whole [[Ephesians 4:16]].
* **Purposeful Growth:** The supply is not for its own sake but is directed toward a specific end: the "increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" [[Ephesians 4:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2024}}` provides a powerful metaphor for spiritual nourishment. Though used only twice, it defines the means by which both individuals and the collective body of Christ are sustained and built up. Whether it is the direct **supply** of the Holy Spirit or the contribution that each believer makes to the whole, **epichorēgía** is the divine provision that enables the church to grow and be "fitly joined together."
TRV