### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb χρονοτριβέω (chronotribéō, `{{G5551}}`) is a compound word derived from χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`), meaning "time" or "duration," and the base of τρίβος (tribos), which relates to "rubbing," "wearing away," or "consuming." Literally, the word signifies "to wear away time" or "to rub away time." This etymological root lends itself to a semantic range that includes "to spend time," "to linger," and, most significantly, "to procrastinate" or "to delay unduly." The core idea is the consumption or passage of time, often with an deeper nuance of slowness, idleness, or a lack of urgency, though the specific context of its use must always be considered to determine the precise connotation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χρονοτριβέω (`{{G5551}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 18:23]]. The passage describes the Apostle Paul's movements: "And after he had spent some time there, he departed and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples." In this specific context, the verb is used to describe Paul's stay in Antioch. Here, χρονοτριβέω does not carry a negative connotation of procrastination or idleness. Instead, it simply denotes the duration of his stay—a period during which he presumably engaged in ministry and fellowship, strengthening the believers. The translation "spent some time" accurately reflects this neutral usage. While the word's etymology suggests a potential for negative meaning (wearing time away), its application in [[Acts 18:23]] demonstrates a neutral or even positive aspect of consuming time for a beneficial purpose, namely, the edification of the disciples. This highlights the importance of contextual interpretation over strict etymological derivation in every instance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding χρονοτριβέω (`{{G5551}}`) is enhanced by considering its relationship to other Greek terms for time and related concepts of stewardship.
* **χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`):** As the root of χρονοτριβέω, χρόνος denotes linear, sequential, and quantitative time. It is time as a measurable duration, distinct from καιρός (`{{G2540}}`).
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`):** This term refers to opportune time, a specific moment or season, a qualitative understanding of time. The potential negative nuance of χρονοτριβέω (procrastination) often stands in stark contrast to the urgency implied by seizing the καιρός for spiritual action or decision.
* **Stewardship of Time:** The concept of χρονοτριβέω inherently touches upon the broader biblical theme of time stewardship. Passages like [[Ephesians 5:16]] ("redeeming the time") and [[Colossians 4:5]] ("walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time") emphasize the wise and purposeful use of one's allocated καιρός and χρόνος.
* **Diligence vs. Idleness:** χρονοτριβέω, particularly in its "procrastinate" sense, contrasts with biblical calls to diligence (e.g., [[Romans 12:11]]) and warnings against idleness (e.g., [[2 Thessalonians 3:11]]).
* **Patience:** While χρονοτριβέω can imply a negative delay, the concept of divine patience (e.g., μακροθυμία, makrothymia, `{{G3115}}`) or human endurance (e.g., ὑπομονή, hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`) involves a purposeful waiting, distinct from aimless lingering.
### Theological Significance
Though χρονοτριβέω (`{{G5551}}`) appears only once in a neutral context, its underlying semantic potential to mean "to wear away time" or "to procrastinate" carries profound theological implications concerning the nature of time and human responsibility.
* **God's Sovereignty over Time:** The Scriptures consistently portray God as existing outside of and sovereign over χρόνος (time). He is eternal, without beginning or end, and orchestrates all events within time according to His perfect καιρός (opportune time).
* **Human Accountability for Time:** Humans, by contrast, are finite beings existing within χρόνος. The brevity of life is a recurring theme (e.g., [[Psalm 90:12]], [[James 4:14]]), underscoring the preciousness of time. Every moment is a gift from God, and believers are called to be wise stewards of this gift.
* **The Danger of Procrastination:** While Paul's use of χρονοτριβέω in [[Acts 18:23]] is benign, the broader biblical narrative warns against spiritual procrastination. Delaying repentance, obedience, or engagement in God's work can have eternal consequences. The "wearing away of time" without purpose or in opposition to God's will is a form of waste that stands contrary to the call to "redeem the time" (e.g., [[Ephesians 5:16]]).
* **Purposeful Waiting vs. Aimless Lingering:** The concept of χρονοτριβέω helps distinguish between purposeful waiting (e.g., waiting on the Lord, exercising patience) and aimless lingering or neglect. True spiritual patience is active and expectant, not passive and unproductive.
### Summary
The Greek verb χρονοτριβέω (chronotribéō, `{{G5551}}`) literally means "to wear away time," a compound of χρόνος (time, `{{G5550}}`) and a root signifying "to rub" or "to consume." Its semantic range encompasses "to spend time," "to linger," and "to procrastinate." Although its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 18:23]] describes Paul "spending some time" in Antioch in a neutral, even positive sense of ministry duration, the word's inherent etymology carries the potential nuance of time being consumed without urgency or purpose. Theologically, χρονοτριβέω invites reflection on the preciousness of χρόνος and καιρός (opportune time, `{{G2540}}`), emphasizing the biblical call for faithful stewardship of time, active diligence, and the grave spiritual danger of procrastination in light of God's eternal purposes.
TRV