### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chrṓs**, represented by `{{G5559}}`, refers to the **body**, specifically its surface or skin. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its definition suggests a connection to the idea of handling, pointing to the physical, tangible aspect of the body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G5559}}` is found in Acts, describing the extraordinary miracles performed through the Apostle Paul. Handkerchiefs `{{G4676}}` **or** `{{G2228}}` aprons `{{G4612}}` that had merely touched his **body** `{{G5559}}` were **brought** `{{G2018}}` to the **sick** `{{G770}}`, resulting in their healing. This passage highlights that the power of God was so evident in Paul that even items from his person became conduits for healing, causing **diseases** `{{G3554}}` to depart and **evil** `{{G4190}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}` to go **out of** `{{G1831}}` them [[Acts 19:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of `{{G5559}}` in its single appearance:
* `{{G4676}}` **soudárion** (handkerchief): These were cloths, like a towel or **napkin**, that touched Paul's **body** and were used for healing [[Acts 19:12]]. The same word is used for the cloth on Jesus' head in the tomb [[John 20:7]].
* `{{G3554}}` **nósos** (disease): This term for a malady or **sickness** is what **departed** from the people. Jesus gave his disciples authority to heal all manner of **sickness** `{{G3554}}` and disease [[Matthew 10:1]].
* `{{G525}}` **apallássō** (departed): This word means to release or remove, describing how the diseases **departed** from the sick upon contact with the cloths from Paul's **body** [[Acts 19:12]]. It is also used in the sense of being delivered from bondage [[Hebrews 2:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5559}}` is entirely derived from its context in [[Acts 19:12]].
* **Conduit of Divine Power:** The use of **chrṓs** demonstrates that a human **body** can be so filled with the **Spirit** `{{G4151}}` of God that divine power is transmitted even through secondary objects. The cloths taken **from** `{{G575}}` his **body** `{{G5559}}` were not magical but were instruments of God's power working through Paul.
* **Physical Manifestation of Healing:** The event shows God working in a tangible, physical way. Healing was not just a spiritual concept but resulted in **diseases** `{{G3554}}` and **evil** `{{G4190}}` spirits literally departing from people [[Acts 19:12]].
* **Apostolic Authority:** This unique miracle affirmed the authority God had given to Paul. The power that emanated **from** `{{G575}}` his very **body** `{{G5559}}` served as a sign to both believers and unbelievers, pointing to the source of his ministry.
### Summary
In summary, while **chrṓs** `{{G5559}}` is a rare word in Scripture, its single appearance is significant. It specifically refers to the surface of the **body**, and in its biblical context, it illustrates a profound moment of divine power working through a human vessel. The account in [[Acts 19:12]] uses `{{G5559}}` to show that the healing power of God through Paul was so great that it could be transferred by items that had touched his skin, leading to the departure of both **diseases** `{{G3554}}` and **evil** `{{G4190}}` **spirits** `{{G4151}}`.
TRV