Brief Overview of ἐπιχορηγία (Strong’s G2024: epichorēgia)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for accurately interpreting Scripture and grasping its deeper meanings. The Greek word ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia), which means “supply,” “support,” or “assistance,” is particularly significant as it describes the provision of resources, both spiritual and material, within the Christian community. This term offers insight into how the early Christians viewed mutual support and the divine provision of strength and grace. Additionally, it provides a lens through which to understand ancient Greek culture, where community support and sponsorship were vital societal components.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia) [eh-pee-kho-ray-GHEE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from ἐπι (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and χορηγία (chorēgia), meaning “supply” or “provision.” The root word, χορηγέω (chorēgeō), originally referred to a sponsor or benefactor who provided for public performances in ancient Greece.
• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Supply or Provision: Refers to the act of supplying what is needed, often in a generous or abundant manner.
• Support or Assistance: Emphasizes providing help or resources to someone in need, whether in a spiritual or material context.
• Contribution: Indicates a gift or offering provided to support a cause, community, or individual.

Similar Words: χορηγία (chorēgia) [kho-ray-GHEE-ah], which also means “supply” or “provision.” While χορηγία generally refers to the act of supplying or sponsoring, ἐπιχορηγία emphasizes a more specific or directed supply, often with a connotation of divine or communal support.

Further Insights: ἐπιχορηγία is a noun in the feminine form and follows the first declension in Greek grammar. It is often used in the context of divine or spiritual support, as seen in the New Testament, where it reflects the idea of God’s provision for believers or the support provided by one member of the community to another. Below is a table showing the full declension of ἐπιχορηγία:

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

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines epichorēgia as “a supply or support,” especially in contexts where divine or spiritual provision is implied. It often denotes a generous or sufficient supply necessary for spiritual growth or communal well-being.

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Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epichorēgia as “aid, supply, or contribution,” focusing on the role of divine or communal support within the Christian context. It emphasizes the idea of abundance and sufficiency provided by God or the community.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Explains epichorēgia as “a supply” or “an addition,” highlighting its use in passages that refer to God’s abundant provision of grace and resources to believers. It is often used to convey the idea of support or aid within the Christian community.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists epichorēgia as “supply” or “provision,” particularly in contexts involving public services or support systems in ancient Greece. It denotes the act of providing necessary resources for a public or communal function.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epichorēgia as “supply” or “support,” emphasizing the idea of a generous provision. The word often reflects the concept of divine aid or support in the New Testament, especially in the context of God’s grace and resources.

Related Scripture References

• Philippians 1:19: “For I know that through your prayers and the help [ἐπιχορηγίας (epichorēgias)] of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπιχορηγία (G2024: epichorēgia)

The Greek noun ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia), meaning “supply,” “support,” or “assistance,” carries rich connotations of generosity, community, and divine provision. Found in both classical and Biblical Greek texts, it reflects the importance of providing for the needs of others—whether through public sponsorship in ancient Greece or divine grace in the New Testament. Understanding epichorēgia enhances our appreciation of the communal and spiritual dynamics at play within early Christian communities and their reliance on God’s abundant provision.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἐπιχορηγία (epichorēgia) is closely related to the concept of a chorēgos in ancient Greece? A chorēgos was a wealthy citizen who funded public performances and festivals, ensuring that cultural life thrived. This idea of generous provision carries over into the New Testament, where it signifies God’s abundant and continuous supply of grace, spiritual gifts, and support for believers.