### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chrēma**, represented by `{{G5536}}`, refers to **money** or **riches**. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. This term is consistently used to denote material wealth, often highlighting the spiritual challenges and moral implications associated with it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5536}}` is central to several key warnings about wealth. Jesus uses the term to express how difficult it is for those who possess **riches** to enter the kingdom of God ([[Mark 10:23]], [[Luke 18:24]]), specifying that the true danger lies in trusting in those **riches** [[Mark 10:24]]. The word also appears in narratives of corruption, such as when Simon offered the apostles **money** to purchase the power of the Holy Ghost [[Acts 8:18]] or when Felix hoped Paul would give him **money** as a bribe [[Acts 24:26]]. In contrast, a positive use is seen when the **money** from a sold property is brought to the apostles for the community [[Acts 4:37]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the concept of wealth and value:
* `{{G694}}` **argýrion** (silvery, i.e. (by implication) cash): This word for **money** is used when Peter states that Simon's **money** `{{G694}}` would perish with him for thinking God's gift could be bought with **money** `{{G5536}}` [[Acts 8:20]].
* `{{G1431}}` **dōreá** (a gratuity:--gift): This term for a **gift** is set in direct opposition to `{{G5536}}`. Peter declares that the **gift** of God cannot be purchased with **money** [[Acts 8:20]].
* `{{G68}}` **agrós** (a field... farm... land): This word for **land** represents the source of wealth in [[Acts 4:37]], where the sale of a piece of ground produced the **money** that was given to the apostles.
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (a spirit... the Holy Spirit): The object of Simon's corrupt offer was the power to give the Holy **Ghost**, showing an attempt to use material **money** `{{G5536}}` to control the divine **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` [[Acts 8:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5536}}` is primarily cautionary, emphasizing the tension between material and spiritual priorities.
* **A Spiritual Obstacle:** The word is repeatedly linked to the difficulty of entering God's kingdom, serving as a stark warning against placing trust in material possessions [[Mark 10:23-24]].
* **A Tool for Corruption:** Its use in the contexts of bribery [[Acts 24:26]] and Simon's attempt to buy spiritual authority [[Acts 8:18]] illustrates the power of **money** to pervert justice and profane the sacred.
* **The Invaluable Gift of God:** The clash between Simon's offer of **money** `{{G5536}}` and Peter's defense of the **gift** `{{G1431}}` of God establishes a core theological principle: divine grace cannot be commodified or earned through worldly means [[Acts 8:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5536}}` is a term loaded with spiritual significance. While it can simply mean currency, it is most often used as a literary device to warn of the dangers of wealth, its potential for corruption, and the fundamental biblical distinction between the treasures of earth and the invaluable gifts of God. It challenges the believer to examine their relationship with material possessions in light of eternal values.
TRV