χειροτονέω (cheirotoneō)
cheirotoneō
to appoint
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb cheirotoneō describes the act of appointing someone to a position or office. Its literal roots combine "hand" and "stretch," evoking the ancient practice of voting by raising hands in an assembly. This imagery highlights that the selection was a visible, communal decision rather than a secret appointment.
In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, primarily in Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus, as well as in Acts and 2 Corinthians. For instance, Paul instructs Timothy to appoint elders in every town (1 Timothy 5:22 is not the reference; Acts 14:23 is cited in sources). The sources note a distinction between appointment by vote and appointment without a formal vote, reflecting different church governance contexts.
Translators often render cheirotoneō as "appoint" or "elect," capturing the sense of setting someone apart for leadership. The word emphasizes the authority given to the chosen individual and the recognition by the community. This term underscores the importance of order and shared responsibility in early Christian communities, where leaders were selected through a process that involved the congregation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheirotoneō brings to mind the visible act of raising hands in an ancient assembly. It describes appointing someone to a role through a communal decision, highlighting that leadership was not a secret choice but a public recognition by the community. This practice underscores the importance of order and shared responsibility in early Christian gatherings.
In our own lives, this reminds us that authority and service are often validated by those we serve. When leaders are chosen with care and transparency, it builds trust and strengthens the body of believers. The process reflects a collective commitment to God’s work, ensuring that those who guide others do so with the support and confidence of the community.
Whether in ancient churches or modern contexts, the spirit of cheirotoneō encourages us to value communal discernment. It invites us to participate actively in recognizing gifts and calling others to service, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect among all members.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having been chosen3×
- Having chosen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χειροτονηθέντα2×
- χειροτονήσαντες1×
- χειροτονηθεὶς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 14:23
When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord on whom they had believed.
This verse shows the practical application of appointing elders in every assembly, linking leadership selection with prayer and fasting.
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II Corinthians 8:19
Not only so, but he was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness.
Here, the word describes someone appointed by the assemblies to travel, highlighting communal recognition of a leader's role in ministry.