### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term χρώς (chrōs, `{{G5559}}`) is a noun referring primarily to the physical body, with a particular emphasis on its surface or skin. The base definition suggests a connection to the idea of "handling" or "touching," possibly akin to the root of χράομαι (chraomai, `{{G5530}}`), which means "to use" or "to handle." This etymological link underscores the tangible, external, and often tactile aspect of the physical form. While it translates simply as "body," its nuance leans towards the outward appearance or the very skin of a person, rather than the internal organs or the body as a holistic entity. It is a relatively rare word in the New Testament, appearing only twice, and its semantic range remains quite literal and concrete.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χρώς appears in the New Testament exclusively within the Book of Acts, always referring to the physical human body in a straightforward, descriptive manner.
1. **[[Acts 9:37]]**: "And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber." Here, χρώς refers to the corpse of Tabitha (Dorcas). The passage describes the customary preparation of the deceased for burial, specifically the washing of her χρώς (body). The use of this term emphasizes the physical reality of her death and the tangible nature of the body being prepared. This detail sets the stage for the powerful miracle of Peter raising her from the dead, underscoring that it was a truly dead, physical body that was restored to life.
2. **[[Acts 19:12]]**: "So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them." In this context, χρώς refers to the living body of the Apostle Paul. The text describes how items that had touched Paul's χρώς (his skin or person) became conduits of divine healing, causing diseases to depart and evil spirits to flee. This usage highlights the physical presence and tangibility of Paul's body as a point of contact for God's miraculous power. It is not Paul's inherent power, but God's power working through a physical medium connected to His chosen instrument.
In both instances, χρώς maintains its literal meaning of the physical body, particularly its external aspect, whether in death or in life, serving to ground the miraculous events in concrete, observable reality.
### Related Words & Concepts
To fully appreciate χρώς, it is helpful to contrast it with other Greek terms for "body" or "flesh":
* **σῶμα (sōma, `{{G4983}}`)**: This is the most common and comprehensive Greek word for "body" in the New Testament. It can refer to the physical organism, the body as a whole (e.g., the body of Christ, a corporate entity), or even the resurrected body. While χρώς focuses on the surface or skin, σῶμα encompasses the entire physical being and can also carry metaphorical or theological weight. χρώς is a more specific, almost clinical, term for the physical exterior compared to the broader σῶμα.
* **σάρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`)**: Translated as "flesh," this word also refers to the physical body but often carries significant theological connotations. σάρξ can denote human nature, often in its weakness, mortality, or fallen state, in contrast to the Spirit. It can also refer to humanity in general. Unlike σάρξ, χρώς typically lacks these deeper theological or moral implications, remaining a purely descriptive term for the physical exterior.
* **δέρμα (derma, `{{G1192}}`)**: This term specifically means "skin" or "hide." While χρώς can imply "skin," δέρμα is the precise anatomical term. χρώς maintains a slightly broader sense of the "body's surface."
* The root χράομαι (chraomai, `{{G5530}}`): As noted in the base definition, the potential connection to "handling" or "using" reinforces the idea of χρώς as something tangible and perceptible to touch.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χρώς is primarily derived from its contextual usage rather than any inherent theological weight of the word itself. Unlike σῶμα or σάρξ, χρώς does not typically carry profound theological concepts like the resurrection body, the Church as the body of Christ, or the struggle between flesh and spirit.
However, its presence in the narratives of Acts contributes to theological understanding in specific ways:
* **Affirmation of Physical Reality**: In both instances, χρώς underscores the concrete, physical reality of human existence and mortality. The death of Tabitha is real, her body prepared for burial. The healing power emanating from Paul is connected to his tangible, physical presence. This grounds the miraculous in the material world, demonstrating that God's power is not abstract but interacts directly with human physicality.
* **Divine Power in Tangible Forms**: In [[Acts 19:12]], the χρώς of Paul serves as a point of contact for divine power. This illustrates a theological principle where God chooses to work through physical means and human instruments. It is not the χρώς itself that possesses power, but God's power that is manifested through a tangible connection to His servant, authenticating the divine origin of the healings. This highlights God's immanence and His willingness to use the physical realm to achieve His purposes.
* **The Scope of Resurrection**: In [[Acts 9:37]], the focus on Tabitha's χρώς being washed emphasizes that it was a truly deceased physical body that Peter, by God's power, raised. This powerfully illustrates the comprehensive nature of resurrection, encompassing the restoration of the physical body.
### Summary
χρώς (chrōs, `{{G5559}}`) is a Greek noun that literally denotes the physical body, with a particular emphasis on its surface or skin, possibly related to the idea of "handling" or "touching." Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in the Book of Acts, consistently illustrate this literal meaning. In [[Acts 9:37]], it refers to the washed corpse of Tabitha, highlighting the reality of death and the subsequent miracle of resurrection. In [[Acts 19:12]], it describes Paul's living body as the point of contact for objects that become conduits of divine healing power. Unlike the broader σῶμα (`{{G4983}}`) or the theologically laden σάρξ (`{{G4561}}`), χρώς primarily serves to ground biblical narratives in tangible, physical reality. Its usage underscores the concrete nature of divine intervention, demonstrating God's power interacting directly with the material world and human physicality, whether in death or in life.
TRV