χώρα (chōra)
chōra
country
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun chōra refers to a tract of land, country, or region. It describes an expanse of territory that may include towns and villages, or simply open rural space. The word captures the idea of a defined area, often distinguished from urban centers. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in Luke and Acts to describe geographical settings for Jesus’ ministry and the early church’s expansion.
A notable usage contrasts chōra with the city. In Luke 21:21, John 4:35, and James 5:4, the term points to the countryside or fields as distinct from urban life. This distinction highlights different ways of living and working. The word also denotes specific regions like Galilee or Judea, grounding biblical narratives in real places.
Its etymology connects to the concept of empty expanse, suggesting a space defined by what lies within its boundaries. Translators render chōra as country, region, land, or fields depending on context. This flexibility reflects its broad application across various settings in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chōra reminds us that God’s presence is not confined to bustling cities or grand temples. It appears often in the Gospels to describe the open countryside, the fields where shepherds kept watch, and the rural regions where Jesus taught those who lived away from the urban centers. This geographical term highlights a truth about faith: divine grace extends into every corner of our world, including the quiet, everyday spaces we might overlook.
When we read about people fleeing to the mountains or shepherds resting in the fields, we see that spiritual encounters happen in ordinary settings. The word grounds biblical narratives in real places, showing that God cares about the land and the people who work it. It invites us to recognize the sacredness of our own surroundings, whether we are in a busy town or a quiet rural area.
This perspective encourages a grounded faith. We do not need to seek distant or exotic locations to find God; He is present in the regions where we live and work. By appreciating the chōra, we learn to see the world as a stage for God’s activity, finding peace and purpose in the specific places He has placed us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- region13×
- country3×
- fields2×
- a country2×
- regions1×
- region.1×
- land;1×
- land1×
- ground.1×
- country.1×
- countries1×
- [the] region1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χώραν13×
- χώρας6×
- χώρᾳ3×
- χώρας.2×
- χώραν·1×
- χώραις1×
- χώρα.1×
- χώρα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:8
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
This verse uses chōra to place the announcement of Jesus’ birth in a rural setting, emphasizing that the gospel message reached ordinary people in their daily work.
-
Matthew 4:16
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
Here, chōra describes the region where people lived in darkness, showing that the light of Christ dawned specifically on those living outside the major urban centers.
-
Luke 15:13
Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.
In the parable of the prodigal son, chōra represents a distant place of separation and hardship, highlighting the journey away from home and family.
-
Acts 8:1
Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.
This occurrence shows how persecution scattered believers throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, facilitating the spread of the early church beyond Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chōra mean in the New Testament?
How is chōra different from polis?
Why is chōra important for understanding biblical geography?
Does chōra always mean a rural area?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country another way.
Matthew 4:16the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has…
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…