The Greek word chōréō, represented by G5562, describes the concept of having or giving space. It appears 12 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal act of containing or holding something to the figurative idea of admitting, receiving, or making place for a person or a concept.
In a literal sense, G5562 is used to describe physical capacity. For instance, in John's Gospel, it specifies the volume of the six stone waterpots G5201 at the wedding in Cana, which were "containing two or three firkins apiece" John 2:6. Similarly, Mark's Gospel uses it to depict a crowd so large that "there was no room to receive them" Mark 2:2. The word also takes on a figurative meaning, as when John supposes that the world itself "could not contain the books" that could be written about Jesus's works John 21:25. It is also used to describe the acceptance of a person, as when Paul asks the Corinthians to "Receive us" 2 Corinthians 7:2.
Several related words clarify the dimensions of space and reception associated with G5562:
- G1531 eisporeúomai (to enter): This word for entering is used in parallel with G5562 to describe what "goeth into" a person, connecting the idea of entry with what can be held inside Matthew 15:17.
- G1410 dýnamai (to be able or possible): This term is directly linked to the capacity to receive a teaching. In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus states that not all men can receive a particular saying, but only those who are "able to receive it" Matthew 19:12.
- G4863 synágō (to lead together, i.e. collect or convene): This word for gathering illustrates the cause for a lack of space. In Mark, many were "gathered together" to the point that there was no more room to receive them Mark 2:2.
The theological weight of G5562 is significant, highlighting the conditions of the human heart and mind.
- Capacity for Divine Truth: The word is critically used to question one's ability to accept God's message. Jesus confronts his opponents by stating, "my word G3056 hath no place in you" John 8:37. Similarly, He teaches that a difficult saying about eunuchs for the kingdom's sake can only be accepted by one who is "able to receive it" Matthew 19:12.
- The Path to Repentance: G5562 describes the desired outcome of God's longsuffering. Peter explains that the Lord is patient, not wanting any to perish but for all to "come to repentance G3341" 2 Peter 3:9, framing repentance as a space or state one must enter.
- Literal and Figurative Passage: Jesus uses the term to describe the physical process of digestion, where what "entereth in at the mouth G4750 goeth into the belly" Matthew 15:17. This literal example of something passing through a space serves as a basis for understanding how ideas and truths must also have a place to enter and be processed.
In summary, G5562 moves from a simple definition of physical space to a profound metaphor for spiritual and intellectual capacity. It illustrates that whether it is a room being filled with people, a waterpot holding liquid, or a mind accepting a divine teaching, there must be space available. The word powerfully conveys the idea that receiving God's word requires making room for it, a concept as tangible as a crowd filling a doorway or as crucial as the heart making a place for truth.
TRV