from a comparative of χείρ and (to stretch); to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand), i.e. (generally) to select or appoint:--choose, ordain.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **cheirotonéō**, represented by `{{G5500}}`, means to select or appoint. Derived from terms meaning to stretch out the hand, it originally signified being a hand-reacher or voter. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, where it is generally used to describe the process of choosing or ordaining individuals for specific roles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5500}}` is connected to the establishment of church leadership. In Acts, the word describes how elders were **ordained** in every church, a process that was accompanied by prayer and fasting before they were commended to the Lord [[Acts 14:23]]. It is also used in the context of a brother who was **chosen** by the churches to travel and assist in administering a grace offering [[2 Corinthians 8:19]]. The word appears in the epistles to Timothy and Titus, describing them as having been **ordained** the first bishops of their respective churches ([[2 Timothy 4:22]], [[Titus 3:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of being chosen or ordained:
* `{{G4245}}` **presbýteros** (elder): This term for a senior or Christian "presbyter" identifies the office to which individuals were ordained in [[Acts 14:23]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): Defined as a religious congregation or community, this is the setting in which leaders were ordained or chosen ([[Acts 14:23]], [[2 Corinthians 8:19]]).
* `{{G1985}}` **epískopos** (bishop): This word for a superintendent or overseer is the title given to Timothy and Titus, who were described as having been ordained ([[2 Timothy 4:22]], [[Titus 3:15]]).
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God): This act of worship is explicitly linked to the ordination of elders, highlighting the spiritual nature of the appointment [[Acts 14:23]].
* `{{G3908}}` **paratíthēmi** (to place alongside, i.e. present... commit): After being ordained, the elders were commended to the Lord, indicating they were entrusted to His care and authority [[Acts 14:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5500}}` is rooted in the establishment of church structure and authority.
* **Formal Appointment:** The use of this word indicates a formal and recognized process for selecting leaders, whether by apostles [[Acts 14:23]] or by the churches themselves [[2 Corinthians 8:19]].
* **Spiritual Foundation:** The act of appointing leaders was not merely administrative. It was set apart by spiritual practices like prayer and fasting, showing a reliance on divine guidance and approval [[Acts 14:23]].
* **Establishing Church Offices:** The word is directly tied to the creation of foundational leadership roles within the early Christian community, specifically that of elders and bishops who were given charge over a church.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5500}}` signifies more than a simple choice; it describes the deliberate and formal appointment of individuals to positions of responsibility within the church. From its roots in voting by a show of hands, it came to represent the recognized selection of leaders such as elders and bishops. Its use in scripture demonstrates a foundational principle of the early church: that leaders were to be formally and prayerfully ordained for their work.
TRV