### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G5514 (Χλόη, *Chlóē*) is a feminine proper noun derived from a primary word meaning "green" or "verdant." Its root signifies the fresh, vibrant color associated with new plant growth and vegetation. As a personal name, Chlóē carries this etymological sense of "green one" or "blooming one," though in its biblical usage, it functions solely as the name of an individual. The semantic range is therefore quite narrow, primarily encompassing the proper name itself, with the underlying meaning providing a subtle, perhaps symbolic, backdrop.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Chlóē appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians:
> For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers. [[1 Corinthians 1:11]]
In this sole occurrence, Chlóē is identified as the head of a household ("Chloe's people" - τῶν Χλόης) from whom Paul received vital information regarding the divisive factions within the Corinthian church. The phrasing "Chloe's people" (literally "those of Chloe") suggests that members of her household – perhaps slaves, freedmen, family members, or associates – traveled to Paul, likely in Ephesus, and conveyed the distressing news. This indicates that Chlóē was a known and trusted individual within the broader Christian network, whose household served as a reliable conduit for communication with the apostle. While her specific location (Corinth or elsewhere) is not explicitly stated, the fact that her household was reporting on Corinthian affairs implies a direct connection to that community, either residing there or having immediate access to its internal dynamics. Her role, though brief, is crucial, as the information she facilitated directly prompted Paul's detailed exhortations concerning unity and wisdom in the letter.
### Related Words & Concepts
The underlying concept of "greenness" inherent in Chlóē is related to other Greek words describing color, vegetation, and vitality. The adjective `{{G5515}}` (χλωρός, *chlōros*), for instance, directly means "pale green," "verdant," or "pale" (as in the color of a horse in [[Revelation 6:8]]). This linguistic connection underscores the natural, living quality associated with the name.
In terms of biblical concepts, Chlóē's mention connects to:
* **Early Christian Households:** These were fundamental units of the nascent church, serving as centers for worship, fellowship, and practical support.
* **Communication Networks:** The early church relied heavily on personal connections and trusted individuals to transmit information, teachings, and news across geographically dispersed communities.
* **Women in the Early Church:** While not explicitly given a leadership title, Chlóē's prominent mention as a source of critical information suggests a woman of influence and standing within the Christian community, whose household was actively engaged in the affairs of the church. This parallels other women mentioned by Paul who played significant, though often understated, roles (e.g., Phoebe in [[Romans 16:1-2]], Priscilla in [[Acts 18:26]]).
### Theological Significance
Though a proper name and mentioned only once, Chlóē's presence in the biblical text carries subtle yet profound theological significance. Her household's report to Paul was the catalyst for one of the most foundational letters regarding church unity, spiritual gifts, and the nature of Christian love.
1. **Divine Providence through Human Agency:** God often works through ordinary individuals and their networks. The information from "Chloe's people" was not accidental but part of the divine plan to address the pressing issues in Corinth, demonstrating how God uses human relationships and communication to guide and correct His church.
2. **The Importance of Truthful Reporting:** The reliability of the information from Chlóē's household was paramount for Paul to address the specific problems of division. This underscores the value of integrity and discernment in communication within the Christian community.
3. **Inclusion and Influence of Women:** Chlóē's mention, without any qualification or explanation of her identity, suggests she was a well-known and respected figure. It highlights the often-unrecorded but vital contributions of women in the early church, whose homes and influence were integral to the spread and stability of the Gospel. Her name, evocative of "greenness" or "blooming," can be seen metaphorically as a quiet testament to the vitality and growth that individuals, even those briefly mentioned, brought to the early Christian movement.
### Summary
G5514 (Χλόη, *Chlóē*) is a Greek feminine proper name meaning "green" or "blooming." It appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 Corinthians 1:11]], where Paul states that he received news of divisions in the Corinthian church from "Chloe's people." This singular reference is highly significant, revealing the existence of robust communication networks in the early church and highlighting the crucial role played by individuals, including women like Chlóē, and their households. Her mention underscores the practical and relational aspects of apostolic ministry and the quiet, yet indispensable, contributions of various believers in the early Christian communities, whose actions facilitated the spread of the Gospel and the resolution of internal church issues.
TRV