The Greek word choïkós, represented by G5517, means earthy. Derived from a word for dust, it describes something that is dusty, dirty, or soil-like. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within a single chapter.
In its biblical context, G5517 is used to draw a sharp contrast between humanity's natural state and its glorified, future state. It describes the "first man" as being "of the earth, earthy" 1 Corinthians 15:47, directly linking him to a terrestrial origin. This quality is then extended to others, stating, "As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy" 1 Corinthians 15:48. The concept concludes by contrasting the past and future, noting that just as believers "have borne the image of the earthy," they will also bear the image of the heavenly 1 Corinthians 15:49.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of G5517 by establishing the contrast between the terrestrial and the celestial:
- G1093 gē (earth): This word for soil or the terrene globe is the conceptual root of what it means to be earthy. It is the realm where God's will is to be done Matthew 6:10.
- G2032 epouránios (heavenly): As the direct opposite of earthy, this term means above the sky. It is used to describe the nature of the "second man" 1 Corinthians 15:48 and the source of the believer's calling Hebrews 3:1.
- G1504 eikṓn (image): Meaning a likeness or resemblance, this word is key to understanding the application of earthy. Believers bear the image of the earthy man 1 Corinthians 15:49, just as Christ is the image of the invisible God Colossians 1:15.
- G5409 phoréō (bear, wear): Defined as to wear as clothing or a constant accompaniment, this verb describes how humanity has carried the image of the earthy, implying a nature that is worn until it is replaced 1 Corinthians 15:49.
The theological weight of G5517 is concentrated in its comparison between the two Adams and the two humanities they represent.
- Terrestrial Origin: The term establishes the nature of the first man, who is "of the earth, earthy" 1 Corinthians 15:47. This defines his physical and perishable state.
- Inherited Nature: The state of being earthy is presented as a shared identity. Those who are in the lineage of the first man are also described as earthy 1 Corinthians 15:48.
- Promised Transformation: The ultimate significance of G5517 is found in the hope of change. While believers have "borne the image of the earthy," there is a promise that they "shall also bear the image of the heavenly" 1 Corinthians 15:49, moving from a perishable nature to an imperishable one.
In summary, G5517 is a specific and potent term used to define the nature of humanity in its natural, fallen state. It is not merely a word for "dirty" but a theological descriptor for a being made from the dust. Its full meaning is revealed through its direct contrast with the "heavenly" G2032, highlighting the profound transformation from the first Adam's likeness to the second Adam's likeness.
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