Brief Overview of ἐπιχορηγέω (Strong’s G2023: epichorēgeō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the deeper meanings and contexts within Scripture. The Greek word ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō), which means “to supply,” “to provide,” or “to furnish,” carries significant weight in the New Testament as it is often used to describe God’s provision or the supply of spiritual resources. This word offers insight into how the early Christians understood the nature of divine grace, spiritual gifts, and communal support. It also provides a window into ancient Greek culture, where the concept of provision, especially in a communal or public setting, was integral to social and religious life.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō) [eh-pee-kho-ray-GEH-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “on,” and χορηγέω (chorēgeō), meaning “to furnish” or “to supply.” The root word χορηγός (chorēgos) originally referred to a sponsor or benefactor who provided for public performances in ancient Greece.
• Part of Speech: Verb; primarily used in the active voice to indicate an action of supplying or furnishing.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Supply or Furnish Abundantly: To provide what is needed in a generous or ample manner.
• To Support or Provide for: To ensure the needs of a person, group, or endeavor are met, often in the context of resources or provisions.
• To Equip or Empower: To provide what is necessary for a person or group to fulfill a task or purpose, often in a spiritual sense.

Similar Words: χορηγέω (chorēgeō) [kho-ray-GEH-oh], which also means “to supply” or “to provide.” While χορηγέω focuses on the act of furnishing or supplying, ἐπιχορηγέω emphasizes the additional aspect of supplying generously or abundantly, often with a sense of ongoing provision.

Further Insights: ἐπιχορηγέω is often used in contexts related to spiritual or divine provision, such as in the New Testament where it describes God’s provision of grace, faith, or other spiritual gifts. The verb is typically found in the active voice and can be conjugated in various tenses. Below is a table showing the present indicative active conjugation of ἐπιχορηγέω:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines epichorēgeō as “to provide or supply generously,” often used in the context of divine provision or equipping in the New Testament. It points out its use in passages where God or the Holy Spirit is the provider of spiritual resources.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epichorēgeō as “to supply, furnish, or minister,” with a special emphasis on the abundant and continuous nature of the provision. It is often used to highlight God’s generosity and ongoing support to His people.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Explains epichorēgeō as “to supply,” “to furnish,” or “to minister,” particularly within the context of the believer’s spiritual growth and maturity. It underscores the concept of an abundant supply that is not merely sufficient but also overflowing.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists epichorēgeō as “to furnish,” “to provide,” or “to supply,” particularly in contexts involving public services or performances in ancient Greece, where a chorēgos would provide the resources necessary for a performance or festival.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epichorēgeō as “to supply or furnish,” emphasizing the concept of providing resources or support, especially in a lavish or generous manner, as part of divine or communal responsibility.

Related Scripture References

• 2 Peter 1:5-7: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement [ἐπιχορηγήσατε (epichorēgēsate)] your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness.”
• Colossians 2:19: “…and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth that is from God [ἐπιχορηγούμενον (epichorēgoumenon)].”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιχορηγέω (G2023: epichorēgeō)

The Greek verb ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō), meaning “to supply,” “to furnish,” or “to provide,” is a term rich in connotations of generosity, abundance, and divine provision. Used in both classical and Biblical Greek, it reflects the concept of generous, ongoing supply—whether from a civic benefactor or God Himself. This word emphasizes the importance of support, growth, and provision within the community, both in the secular and sacred sense. By understanding epichorēgeō, readers gain deeper insights into the spiritual, social, and communal dimensions of both ancient Greek and early Christian societies.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō) is deeply rooted in ancient Greek theater? In classical times, a chorēgos was a wealthy benefactor who sponsored theatrical productions by providing the necessary funds and resources. This concept of supplying generously translates into the New Testament, where God is often depicted as the ultimate provider who “supplies abundantly” all that is needed for spiritual growth and sustenance.