χράομαι

chráomai /khrah'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Meaningmiddle voice of a primary verb (perhaps rather from χείρ, to handle); to furnish what is needed; (give an oracle, "graze" (touch slightly), light upon, etc.), i.e. (by implication) to employ or (by extension) to act towards one in a given manner
KJV usageentreat, use. Compare χράω; χρή.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word chráomai, represented by G5530, broadly means to employ or to act towards someone in a given manner. It appears 12 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible. The term's application ranges from the practical use of objects and resources to the way individuals entreat or treat one another.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G5530 is used to convey a variety of actions. Paul uses it to describe his decision not to use his apostolic power or rights, so as not to hinder the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:15). It also appears in his instruction to use the world without abusing it 1 Corinthians 7:31 and to use the law lawfully 1 Timothy 1:8. The word can also describe interpersonal conduct, as when Julius courteously entreated Paul Acts 27:3. In a purely practical sense, it is used for sailors who used helps to secure their ship Acts 27:17 and for Timothy's instruction to use a little wine for his health 1 Timothy 5:23.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of G5530:

  • G2710 katachráomai (to overuse, i.e. misuse:--abuse): This word is used in direct contrast to G5530, emphasizing the difference between proper use and misuse. Believers are instructed to use the world, but not to abuse it 1 Corinthians 7:31.
  • G3545 nomímōs (legitimately (specially, agreeably to the rules of the lists):--lawfully): This adverb directly modifies G5530 to specify the correct manner of application. The law is good only if a person use it lawfully 1 Timothy 1:8.
  • G3954 parrhēsía (all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance): This describes the manner of speech one should employ. Because of their hope, believers use great plainness of speech 2 Corinthians 3:12.
  • G5364 philanthrṓpōs (fondly to man ("philanthropically"), i.e. humanely:--courteously): This adverb describes the quality of treatment in an interaction, as when Julius courteously entreated Paul Acts 27:3.

Theological Significance

The practical and theological applications of G5530 are significant for Christian conduct.

  • Stewardship of Authority: The word frequently appears in contexts of power and rights. It teaches that spiritual authority is not for personal gain but for edification, and that it may be necessary to refrain from using one's rights for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12, 2 Corinthians 13:10).
  • Discernment in Action: G5530 calls for wisdom in how believers engage with the world, their health, and even the law. The focus is on proper, lawful, and beneficial application, rather than misuse or abuse (1 Timothy 1:8, 1 Timothy 5:23).
  • Intentional Conduct: The term extends to how people are treated. In Acts, it is paired with courtesy, showing that to "entreat" someone is an active choice of conduct Acts 27:3. Similarly, in a rhetorical question, Paul asks if he was minded to use lightness, or fickleness, in his plans 2 Corinthians 1:17.
  • Embracing Opportunity: When advising a servant who has the chance to become free, Paul's instruction to "use it rather" highlights the importance of embracing opportunities for a better condition 1 Corinthians 7:21.

Summary

In summary, G5530 is a versatile word that moves beyond a simple definition of "use." It serves as a key concept for Christian ethics, governing the responsible stewardship of power, the wise application of resources, and the intentional, considerate treatment of others. From handling a ship's rigging to exercising apostolic authority, chráomai consistently points toward purposeful and proper action.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Middle Deponent Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Aorist Middle Deponent Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Middle Or Passive Deponent Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Middle
The subject acts on or for itself.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Middle Deponent
Middle in form but active in meaning.
Passive Deponent
Passive in form but active in meaning.
Middle Or Passive
Can be read as middle or passive; context decides.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians (4 verses).

2
Acts
4
1 Corinthians
3
2 Corinthians
2
1 Timothy

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