from χρῆμα; to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of χράομαι), i.e. divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of χρεία) to constitute a firm for business, i.e. (generally) bear as a title:--be called, be admonished (warned) of God, reveal, speak.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5537 (chrēmatízō) is derived from χρῆμα (chrēma), meaning "a thing used, a matter, money." Its semantic range in the New Testament extends primarily into two distinct, yet related, areas. Firstly, and most significantly, it denotes divine communication: "to utter an oracle," "to be divinely intimate," "to receive a divine warning or instruction," or "to be divinely revealed." This usage connects to the ancient concept of consulting an oracle (χράομαι). It implies an authoritative and direct communication from God to humanity, often concerning future events, warnings, or specific commands. Secondly, by implication, the term can mean "to be called" or "to bear a title or designation," particularly one of significance or divine sanction. While the secular usage could refer to conducting business or being named, in the biblical context, this secondary meaning often carries an underlying sense of divine providence or establishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of G5537 in the New Testament predominantly highlight God's direct involvement in human affairs through specific revelation or instruction:
* In [[Matthew 2:12]] and [[Matthew 2:22]], the Magi and Joseph, respectively, are "warned" (ἐχρηματίσθησαν) by God in dreams concerning Herod's intentions and the return to Israel. This demonstrates God's protective guidance.
* [[Luke 2:26]] states that Simeon "had been divinely informed" (κεχρηματισμένον) by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before seeing the Lord's Christ. Here, the communication is a direct, prophetic assurance.
* [[Acts 10:22]] records the centurion Cornelius being "divinely instructed" (ἐχρηματίσθη) by a holy angel to send for Peter. This underscores God's initiative in bringing the gospel to the Gentiles.
* [[Acts 11:26]] presents a unique usage: "the disciples were first called Christians" (χρηματίσαι τοὺς μαθητὰς Χριστιανούς) in Antioch. While not a direct oracle, this naming is understood as a significant, perhaps divinely sanctioned, designation marking a new identity for believers.
* In [[Romans 7:3]], the term is used in a more general sense of being "called" (χρηματίσει) an adulteress, referring to a societal or legal designation rather than a divine one, though still within the semantic field of bearing a title.
* [[Hebrews 8:5]] refers to Moses being "warned" (κεχρημάτισται) by God concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, emphasizing the divine origin and precision of the Old Covenant's instructions.
* [[Hebrews 11:7]] states that Noah, "being divinely warned" (χρηματισθεὶς) about things not yet seen, built the ark. This highlights faith's response to divine revelation concerning future events.
* Finally, [[Hebrews 12:25]] speaks of those who rejected "Him who warned" (τὸν χρηματίζοντα) from heaven, contrasting God's direct speech with the earthly warnings of Moses. This emphasizes the gravity of God's present, ultimate revelation in Christ.
Through these occurrences, G5537 consistently points to God as the source of authoritative communication, whether it be a warning, an instruction, a prophecy, or a providential designation.
### Related Words & Concepts
G5537 is closely related to other terms signifying divine communication and revelation. It shares conceptual space with:
* ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō `{{G601}}`), "to reveal" or "uncover," which often describes the broader act of divine disclosure.
* προφητεύω (prophēteuō `{{G4395}}`), "to prophesy," which involves speaking forth God's message, often through a human agent.
* λέγω (legō `{{G3004}}`) and λαλέω (laleō `{{G2980}}`), general verbs for "to speak," which can encompass divine speech but lack the specific nuance of an oracle or divine warning inherent in G5537.
* The noun χρηματισμός (chrēmatismos `{{G5538}}`), though not found in the NT, would denote the "divine response" or "oracle."
The concept of divine dreams and visions, as seen in Matthew, is a common vehicle for chrēmatízō. The word underscores the active, personal nature of God's interaction with His creation, providing guidance, warning, and identity.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G5537 is profound. It underscores the active, communicative nature of God. He is not a distant, silent deity, but one who intervenes directly in human history and individual lives to reveal His will, purposes, and warnings. The term highlights:
* **Divine Initiative:** God takes the initiative to communicate, often unsolicited by humanity, demonstrating His sovereignty and care.
* **Divine Authority:** The communication is authoritative, demanding a response of obedience or faith. It is not mere suggestion but divine pronouncement.
* **Divine Providence:** God's warnings and instructions serve to guide His people through danger, fulfill His redemptive plan, and establish His kingdom.
* **Divine Identity:** The unique usage in [[Acts 11:26]] regarding "Christians" suggests that even a communal designation can carry divine sanction, marking a new, God-given identity for believers. This reflects God's active role in shaping His people.
* **Continuity of Revelation:** The use in Hebrews connecting to Moses and Noah demonstrates a consistent pattern of God revealing Himself and His will throughout salvation history, culminating in the ultimate revelation through His Son.
### Summary
The Greek verb G5537 (chrēmatízō) primarily signifies a direct, authoritative divine communication, often in the form of a warning, instruction, or revelation. It emphasizes God's active and personal involvement in human affairs, guiding, protecting, and revealing His will. While less frequent, it can also denote being divinely designated or named, as seen in the calling of "Christians." Across its New Testament occurrences, chrēmatízō consistently points to God as the source of profound and intentional interaction with humanity, underscoring His sovereignty, care, and the transformative power of His revealed word.
TRV