χορηγέω (chorēgeō)
chorēgeō
to provide
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb chorēgeō describes a specific kind of generous provision, rooted in the ancient role of a choregos who funded and organized public performances. In its original context, this was not merely giving money but assuming full responsibility for supplying everything needed for an event to succeed. This sense of comprehensive, costly support carries over into the New Testament, where it appears only twice (2 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Peter 4:11).
In these passages, God is described as the one who "supplies" or "furnishes abundantly." In 2 Corinthians, He provides seed to the sower and bread for food, ensuring that believers have what they need to be generous. In 1 Peter, God supplies those who serve with strength. The word emphasizes that the capacity to give or serve comes from His abundant provision, not human resourcefulness.
Its etymology links to leading a chorus (choregos), suggesting that God orchestrates and equips His people for their tasks. Translators often render it as "provide" or "supply," but the underlying image is of a benefactor who ensures all needs are met so that others can fulfill their roles effectively.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word χορηγέω (chorēgeō) carries a rich history from ancient Greece, where it described a wealthy citizen who funded public performances. This was not casual charity but a full assumption of responsibility for every detail needed for success. When the New Testament uses this term, it paints God as the ultimate benefactor who orchestrates and equips His people for their tasks.
In 2 Corinthians 9:10, we see that God provides both seed for sowing and bread for eating. He does not just give resources; He multiplies them so we can be generous. This reminds us that our capacity to serve or give comes from His abundant provision, not our own limited means. We are invited to trust in His comprehensive care.
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:11 shows God supplying strength for those who serve. Whether speaking or acting, we rely on the power He provides. This word invites us to rest in the knowledge that God is actively working behind the scenes, ensuring we have everything needed to fulfill our roles effectively and glorify Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will supply1×
- supplies1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χορηγήσει1×
- χορηγεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:10
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
This verse highlights God's role as the source of both physical sustenance (bread) and spiritual fruitfulness, showing that generosity is a result of His prior provision.
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I Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Here the word emphasizes that serving others requires divine strength, shifting the focus from human effort to God's empowering presence in our daily tasks.