ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia)
epichorēgia
supply
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun epichoregia refers to a supply or provision, carrying the specific sense of fulfilling a need through generous giving. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters to the Philippians and Ephesians, where it describes the material support provided for ministry.
Its root lies in a word meaning "to provide" or "to supply abundantly." This term highlights not just the act of giving, but the resulting abundance that meets a requirement. In Philippians 1:19, Paul speaks of the supply of the Spirit through the prayers and help of the Philippian believers, showing how community support becomes a tangible resource for spiritual endurance.
Similarly, in Ephesians 4:16, it describes how the whole body is supplied and built up as each part does its work. The word emphasizes that this provision comes from many sources working together, ensuring that the needs of the community are fully met through shared effort and generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epichorēgia paints a picture of generous provision that meets real needs. In Philippians 1:19, Paul credits the believers’ prayers and help as a vital supply for his spiritual endurance. This shows how our care for others becomes a tangible resource in difficult times.
Similarly, Ephesians 4:16 describes the church body growing as each part contributes what it has. This shared effort builds up the community in love. Your generosity, whether through prayer or practical help, plays a key role in sustaining those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- supply1×
- [the] provision1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιχορηγίας2×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 1:19
For I know that this will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Paul identifies the believers' prayers and help as the specific supply of the Spirit that ensures his salvation.
-
Ephesians 4:16
from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.
The verse uses this term to describe how every joint supplies the body, leading to its growth in love.