English · KJV
G5530

χράομαι

chráomai /khrah'-om-ahee/ Ask about this word
Rootmiddle voice of a primary verb (perhaps rather from χείρ, to handle)
Meaningto 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.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of chráomai — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

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.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 11 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it. These are this word’s own inflections, not words built from it — for those, see Related Words.

  • χρῆσαι
  • ἐχρησάμεθα
  • ἐχρησάμην
  • χρησάμενος
  • χρήσωμαι
  • ἐχρῶντο
  • κέχρημαι
  • χρῶ
  • χρώμεθα
  • χρώμενοι
  • χρῆται

Related Words

Related

Words formed from this one

2 entries in Strong’s name this word as their origin. These are its derivatives — a different relationship from the inflected forms above, which are this same word bent by grammar.

G5540 χρῆσις employment, i.e. (specially), sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body) G5543 χρηστός employed, i.e. (by implication) useful (in manner or morals)

Also mentioned in the study

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G2710 καταχράομαι to overuse, i.e. misuse G3545 νομίμως legitimately (specially, agreeably to the rules of the lists) G3954 παῤῥησία all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity G5364 φιλανθρώπως fondly to man ("philanthropically"), i.e. humanely

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 11 verses across 4 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians (4 verses); never once in the other 23.

2
Acts
4
1 Corinthians
3
2 Corinthians
2
1 Timothy

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.