χρηματισμός (chrēmatismos)
chrēmatismos
proclamation
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chrēmatismos refers to a divine response or oracle, appearing only once in the New Testament at Romans 11:4. In this context, Paul cites Elijah’s complaint to God and labels it a chrēmatismos, treating the prophet’s prayer as a received communication from the Lord rather than merely a human utterance.
Its root verb, chrēmatizō, carries the sense of declaring or giving an answer. The sources note that classical writers like Xenophon and Plato used the term for official decrees or responses, but in Scripture it takes on a distinctly theological weight. It describes God speaking out, often in a way that confirms or answers a specific situation.
By using this word for Elijah’s cry, Paul elevates the Old Testament narrative into direct divine revelation. The term bridges the gap between human questioning and heavenly reply, framing Scripture itself as a record of God’s active responses to His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we feel alone in our faith, it can be easy to believe that God has forgotten His people. The word chrēmatismos reminds us that He is listening. In Romans 11:4, Paul calls Elijah’s complaint a divine response. This shows that even our honest struggles are heard by the Lord.
This term bridges the gap between human questioning and heavenly reply. It frames Scripture as a record of God’s active care. You are not shouting into the void; your cries matter to Him. He reserves those who remain faithful, even in dark times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- divine answer?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρηματισμός;1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 11:4
But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”
Paul uses this rare word to show that Elijah’s complaint was treated as a direct oracle from God, confirming His promise to preserve a remnant.