### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb χορηγέω (chorēgéō, `{{G5524}}`) carries a rich semantic history that illuminates its New Testament usage. Etymologically, it derives from χορός (choros), meaning a chorus or dance, and ἄγω (agō), to lead. In classical Greek, a χορηγός was a wealthy citizen who bore the considerable expense of equipping and training a chorus for dramatic performances or public festivals. This was a significant public service, or "liturgy," demonstrating generosity and civic responsibility. Thus, the original sense of χορηγέω was "to be a chorus-leader" or, more broadly, "to provide the resources for a chorus."
Over time, the word's meaning broadened to encompass the general act of "furnishing, supplying, or providing" something, often with the nuance of providing abundantly, completely, or lavishly, as one would for a major public event. In the New Testament, χορηγέω signifies the act of supplying or ministering what is necessary, often implying a divine source of provision or enablement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb χορηγέω appears in two significant contexts within the New Testament, both underscoring divine provision:
1. **[[2 Corinthians 9:10]]**: "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." Here, the apostle Paul uses χορηγέω to describe God's action. God is the ultimate provider who "supplies" (χορηγέω) the seed to the sower and bread for food. The context is Paul's appeal for generous giving among the Corinthians. God's act of supplying is presented as a foundational truth that assures believers that their own generosity will not lead to lack, but rather God will continue to "supply and multiply" their resources, enabling further acts of righteousness and generosity. The divine provision is not merely for subsistence but for the purpose of further giving.
2. **[[1 Peter 4:11]]**: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as one who utters oracles of God; if anyone serves, let him serve as one who ministers by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." In this passage, Peter addresses the proper exercise of spiritual gifts within the community. The word χορηγέω describes the divine enablement for service. Believers are called to serve not in their own strength, but by the strength that God "supplies" (χορηγέω). This emphasizes that all effective ministry is ultimately God-sourced and God-empowered, ensuring that the glory redounds to Him.
In both instances, χορηγέω highlights God as the active agent of provision, whether it be material resources for generosity or spiritual strength for service. The word consistently points to a divine source that furnishes what is needed for a specific purpose related to God's kingdom and glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of χορηγέω includes several closely related terms that deepen its understanding:
* **χορηγία (chorēgia, `{{G5525}}`)**: This is the noun form of χορηγέω, meaning "supply" or "provision." It appears in [[Ephesians 4:16]] (referring to the "supply" of the body of Christ) and [[Philippians 1:19]] (Paul's deliverance through the "supply" of the Spirit). This cognate reinforces the idea of something being furnished or provided.
* **ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō, `{{G2023}}`)**: This is an intensified form of χορηγέω, meaning "to supply besides," "to supply fully," or "to supply abundantly." The prefix ἐπί (epi) adds the nuance of super-addition or continuous provision. It is used in [[Galatians 3:5]] (God supplying the Spirit), [[Colossians 2:19]] (the head supplying the body), and [[2 Peter 1:5]], [[2 Peter 1:11]] (God's abundant supply of grace and entrance into His kingdom). This intensified form underscores the lavish and continuous nature of divine provision.
* **ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia, `{{G2024}}`)**: The noun form of ἐπιχορηγέω, also meaning "abundant supply" or "full provision," found in [[Ephesians 4:16]] and [[Philippians 1:19]].
* **δίδωμι (didōmi, `{{G1325}}`)**: A more general verb for "to give," but often used in contexts of divine giving.
* **παρέχω (parechō, `{{G3930}}`)**: "to offer, provide, cause." Often used for providing necessary items or aid.
Conceptually, χορηγέω relates to divine sufficiency, stewardship, spiritual gifts, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the principle that God's people operate not out of their own limited resources, but by the boundless provision and enablement of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χορηγέω is profound, centering on the active and benevolent provision of God for His people and His purposes.
1. **God as the Ultimate Provider**: The word firmly establishes God as the primary source of all necessary resources, whether material or spiritual. He is the divine χορηγός who generously furnishes what is needed for life and godliness. This challenges any notion of self-sufficiency and cultivates a posture of dependence on God's grace.
2. **Provision for Purpose**: God's supply through χορηγέω is not merely for comfort or consumption, but for enabling specific kingdom purposes. In [[2 Corinthians 9:10]], God supplies seed to the sower so that the sower can sow more, leading to a "harvest of righteousness." This means divine provision empowers human generosity and fruitfulness. Similarly, in [[1 Peter 4:11]], strength is supplied for service, so that believers can effectively minister.
3. **Empowerment for Ministry**: The use of χορηγέω in [[1 Peter 4:11]] is crucial for understanding the nature of Christian service. Ministry is not to be undertaken in human strength or wisdom, but by the strength that God Himself supplies. This underscores the supernatural dimension of spiritual gifts and ministries, emphasizing that the effectiveness of service flows from God's empowering presence. It fosters humility and dependence, preventing pride in one's abilities.
4. **God's Glory as the End Goal**: The ultimate purpose of God's χορηγέω is His own glorification. As [[1 Peter 4:11]] explicitly states, "in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ." When believers serve by God's supplied strength, the source of their ability is evident, and God receives the praise. When God provides abundantly for generosity, His faithfulness and goodness are magnified.
### Summary
The Greek verb χορηγέω (chorēgéō, `{{G5524}}`) signifies the act of furnishing, supplying, or ministering, often with the connotation of abundant or complete provision. Rooted in the classical concept of a patron providing lavishly for a chorus, its New Testament usage consistently points to God as the ultimate and benevolent provider. In [[2 Corinthians 9:10]], it describes God's provision of resources to enable believers' generosity, promising multiplication for further acts of righteousness. In [[1 Peter 4:11]], it highlights God's divine enablement and strength supplied to believers for effective ministry. The theological significance of χορηγέω underscores God's role as the abundant source of all that is needed for life and service, empowering His people for His purposes, and ultimately ensuring that all glory redounds to Him through Jesus Christ.
TRV