The Greek word Chlóē, represented by G5514, is a feminine name meaning "green". It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. This name identifies Chloë, a Christian female whose household is mentioned for providing crucial information to the Apostle Paul.
The sole appearance of G5514 is in the context of addressing division within the Corinthian church. In 1 Corinthians 1:11, Paul writes that it was declared to him by "them which are of the house of Chloe" that there were contentions among the believers he addresses as brethren. This report from Chloe's household serves as the catalyst for Paul's subsequent exhortation against strife in his letter.
Several related words from the context of 1 Corinthians 1:11 clarify the situation:
- G1213 dēlóō (to make plain (by words)): This word describes the action of Chloe's household. They declared or made plain the issues in Corinth to Paul. This term is also used when the Holy Ghost signified something Hebrews 9:8 or when Christ shewed a future event to Peter 2 Peter 1:14.
- G2054 éris (a quarrel... contention, debate, strife, variance): This was the content of the report. The household of Chloe revealed that there were contentions among the Corinthians. This word is frequently associated with negative behaviors, appearing alongside envy and divisions 1 Corinthians 3:3 and listed as a work of variance Galatians 5:20.
- G80 adelphós (a brother): Paul uses this term to address the very people about whom the report was made, calling them his brethren 1 Corinthians 1:11. This highlights the report's nature as an internal matter concerning fellow believers in the church.
The significance of G5514 is tied entirely to the role Chloe's household played in the life of the Corinthian church.
- Source of Information: The report from the house of Chloe is the specific event that declared G1213 the problems at Corinth to Paul, prompting his written response 1 Corinthians 1:11.
- Identifying Disunity: The name is directly linked to the exposure of contentions G2054 among the brethren G80. This highlights the serious nature of the disunity that required apostolic intervention.
- Prompting Correction: By bringing the matter of strife and division to Paul's attention, Chloe's household was instrumental in initiating the pastoral correction and instruction that fills much of 1 Corinthians.
In summary, G5514 is a name that, while mentioned only once, is pivotal to the context of 1 Corinthians. Chlóē is known exclusively through her household, whose report on the contentions G2054 within the Corinthian church was declared G1213 to Paul. This single reference underscores how the faithful communication of a serious problem can lead to essential apostolic teaching and correction for the benefit of all the brethren G80.
TRV