χωρίς (chōris)
chōris
without
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 38 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb chōris conveys a state of being separate or apart. In its simplest form, it describes physical separation, as seen in John 20:7 where the burial cloths are described as lying separately from the body. This basic sense of isolation establishes the foundation for its more common usage as a preposition meaning "without" or "apart from."
When used with the genitive case, chōris functions similarly to aneū, indicating the absence of something essential. The New Testament employs this construction frequently to highlight spiritual realities. Paul uses it in Romans 3:21 and 4:6 to explain that righteousness comes apart from the law, while Hebrews 9:22 asserts that forgiveness occurs without the shedding of blood. This usage emphasizes a condition where a specific element is entirely missing.
Interestingly, chōris also carries the meaning of "besides" or "in addition to," as seen in Matthew 14:21 and 15:38 when counting the leftover baskets after feeding the five thousand. This nuance appears again in 2 Corinthians 11:28, where Paul lists his burdens besides other things. The word thus captures both exclusion and addition, depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word chōris simply means "without" or "apart from." It describes a state of separation, whether physical distance or the absence of something essential. In John 20:7, it notes that the burial cloths lay separately from Jesus' body, marking a clear distinction between the grave clothes and the risen Lord. This concrete image helps us understand how the word functions in spiritual contexts as well.
Paul frequently uses this term to clarify the nature of salvation. He writes in Romans 3:28 that justification comes by faith apart from the works of the law. Here, the word emphasizes that our standing before God does not depend on our own performance but on His grace. It removes the burden of earning what has already been given.
This understanding brings relief to anyone who feels they must constantly prove their worth. The gospel declares that we are accepted in Christ, not because of our flawless record, but because of His finished work. This truth invites us to rest in God's love rather than striving for approval through our own efforts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 38 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- apart from18×
- without12×
- besides2×
- Without2×
- Apart from2×
- separate from1×
- out of1×
- by itself1×
- Besides1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χωρὶς39×
- χωρίς1×
Key Verses
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John 20:7
and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.
This verse uses the word to describe the physical separation of the burial cloth from Jesus' body, highlighting the empty tomb.
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Romans 3:28
We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Paul employs this term to stress that justification is granted through faith alone, separate from legalistic works.
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Hebrews 4:15
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
The author uses it to affirm that Jesus was tempted in every way yet remained completely without sin.
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John 15:5
I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Jesus states that apart from Him, spiritual fruitfulness is impossible, emphasizing total dependence on Christ.