χρώς (chrōs)
chrōs
skin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chrōs refers simply to the skin or the outer surface of the human body. In classical Greek prose it was uncommon, appearing mostly in specific contexts rather than as a general term for flesh or meat. The sources note its primary sense is strictly physical, denoting the layer that covers the body.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 19:12. Paul’s followers took handkerchiefs and aprons from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them. The text specifies these items came from his chrōs, emphasizing the physical connection between the apostle and those healed, rather than a symbolic or spiritual distance.
In the Septuagint, this Greek term often translates the Hebrew basar, which can mean both skin and flesh. However, in Acts, the usage remains concrete. It highlights the tangible nature of Paul’s ministry, where physical objects touched to his skin carried healing power, bridging the gap between the apostle and the afflicted through material means.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for skin appears just once in the New Testament, found in Acts 19:12. It describes how handkerchiefs and aprons were taken from Paul’s body to heal the sick. This detail shows that God used physical objects as a means of grace. It reminds us that our faith is not just an abstract idea but involves real, tangible experiences.
When you face illness or hardship, this verse offers comfort. God cares about your whole being, including your physical body. He can use simple things to bring healing and hope. You do not need grand gestures to experience His power; He works through the ordinary moments of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- skin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χρωτὸς1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 19:12
so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from his body to the sick, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, highlighting how physical items from Paul’s body were used for healing.