The Greek word chōrís, represented by G5565, is an adverb and preposition meaning separately or apart from. It appears 39 times across 37 unique verses in the Bible. Its primary function is to define a state of being without something, existing by itself, or being beside a group.
The semantic force of G5565 extends beyond mere absence, often denoting an absolute exclusion or categorical distinction. It highlights a state of being utterly independent of, or completely devoid of, a particular element, person, or quality. This absolute sense is crucial in passages describing Christ's nature "without sin" Hebrews 4:15 or the impossibility of pleasing God "without faith" Hebrews 11:6, where the lack of the specified component renders the action or state entirely invalid or distinct. It functions as a precise boundary marker, setting apart what is essential from what is extraneous or impossible to achieve alone.
In the biblical narrative, G5565 is used to establish absolute spiritual principles. It defines Christ's essential role in creation, stating that without him not any thing was made John 1:3. Similarly, it establishes the believer's complete dependence on him, as Jesus teaches that without me ye can do nothing John 15:5. The word is also critical in defining the conditions for a relationship with God, as seen in the declarations that without faith it is impossible to please him Hebrews 11:6 and that without the shedding of blood is no remission Hebrews 9:22.
G5565 also serves to delineate specific conditions for human action and spiritual conduct, often in the form of exhortations. Believers are instructed to pray "without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8, to observe duties "without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" 1 Timothy 5:21, and to carry out all tasks "without murmurings and disputings" Philippians 2:14. In these instances, G5565 sets a standard for the manner in which actions are to be performed, emphasizing purity of motive and unity. Furthermore, in parables and practical examples, it illustrates the folly of building "without a foundation" Luke 6:49 and Jesus' deliberate method of teaching "without a parable" to the multitudes Matthew 13:34, Mark 4:34, underscoring the necessity of proper basis and clear communication.
Several related words help clarify the concepts associated with being "without":
- G102 adýnatos (impossible): This word highlights the direct consequence of absence. For example, it is impossible to please God without faith Hebrews 11:6.
- G2041 érgon (deed, work): This term is often contrasted with faith. God imputeth righteousness without works Romans 4:6, and a person is justified by faith without the deeds of the law Romans 3:28. Faith without works is dead James 2:26.
- G266 hamartía (sin): The word G5565 is used to describe Christ's perfect nature, as he was tempted in all points, yet without sin Hebrews 4:15.
- G112 átheos (without God): This describes the ultimate state of separation from God. Before Christ, people are described as having no hope and being without God in the world Ephesians 2:12.
- G5563 chōrízō (to separate): This verb, from which G5565 is derived, emphasizes the act or state of division and detachment. While G5565 describes the condition of being apart, G5563 denotes the active process of putting asunder or being separated from something or someone.
The theological weight of G5565 is significant, defining fundamental spiritual truths.
- Dependence on Christ: The word establishes that humanity is entirely dependent on Christ for both creation and spiritual fruitfulness. Without him, nothing was made that was made John 1:3, and believers cannot produce fruit apart from him John 15:5.
- Prerequisites for Approaching God: Key spiritual requirements are framed using this term. It is impossible to please God without faith Hebrews 11:6, and no one will see the Lord without holiness Hebrews 12:14.
- The State of Separation: G5565 is used to paint a picture of the condition of those apart from God's covenant. They are described as being without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and having no hope Ephesians 2:12.
- Ethical Purity and Integrity: G5565 frequently delineates the standard for righteous living and the character of Christ. Believers are exhorted to pray "without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8 and to act "without partiality" 1 Timothy 5:21 and "without murmurings and disputings" Philippians 2:14. This aligns with Christ's perfect example, who was tempted "yet without sin" Hebrews 4:15, and who will appear the second time "without sin unto salvation" Hebrews 9:28.
The term G5565 functions as a pivotal marker of absolute separation and fundamental necessity within the New Testament. It delineates a state of being utterly devoid of a particular presence or quality, serving to establish profound theological truths. From the very act of creation, where "without him was not any thing made that was made" John 1:3, to the believer's spiritual fruitfulness, where "without me ye can do nothing" John 15:5, G5565 consistently underscores humanity's intrinsic dependence on Christ. It also sets forth essential prerequisites for divine favor, declaring that "without faith it is impossible to please him" Hebrews 11:6 and that remission requires "without shedding of blood" Hebrews 9:22.
Beyond these foundational principles, G5565 also serves to define the parameters of righteous conduct and covenantal realities. It exhorts believers to live "without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8 and "without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality" 1 Timothy 5:21, mirroring the perfect example of Christ, who was tempted "yet without sin" Hebrews 4:15. Furthermore, it clarifies the legal and covenantal basis of redemption, highlighting that the first testament was not dedicated "without blood" Hebrews 9:18 and pointing to the new covenant established "not without an oath" Hebrews 7:20. This usage of G5565 thus underscores the precise conditions and the impeccable character central to God's redemptive plan.
In essence, G5565 draws a stark line between divine sufficiency and human emptiness, revealing that apart from God's specific provisions, whether in creation, salvation, or ethical living, humanity remains incapable of achieving anything of eternal value. It defines the boundaries of what is possible and acceptable in the divine economy, emphasizing both the tragic state of separation from God and the glorious reality of Christ's perfect work and the Holy Spirit's empowering presence.
TRV