Sacred Territory: χώρα (Strong’s G5561: chora) Reveals Divine Dwelling Places

Strong’s G5561: From a primitive root meaning “to keep or hold,” χώρα denotes an enclosed space, territory, or region. In biblical usage, it often refers to a country, land, or field, carrying deeper implications of divine territory and sacred space where God’s presence manifests.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word χώρα fundamentally represents a space or territory that is marked out, enclosed, or defined. In the New Testament, it carries rich theological significance beyond mere geographical boundaries. It often appears in contexts where God’s kingdom intersects with earthly realms, such as the fields where shepherds received the angelic announcement of the Messiah’s birth. The early church understood χώρα as more than just physical territory – it represented spaces where divine activity occurred and where God’s people dwelled. Today, this concept remains powerful in understanding how God’s kingdom manifests in physical locations and communities.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χώρα, chora, /khō’-rä/
• Detailed pronunciation: kh (as in Bach) + o (as in ore) + ra (as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: Derived from primitive root *ǵʰer- meaning “to grasp, enclose”
• Development: Extended to mean “enclosed space” then “defined territory”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Land, territory, region
2. Field, countryside
3. Place, space, position
4. Country, province

Translation Options:

1. Territory – Best captures the sense of defined space
2. Region – Emphasizes geographical extent
3. Country – Appropriate when referring to political boundaries

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἀγρός (agros, /ä-gros’/) – specifically refers to a field or farm. See G68
• γῆ (gē, /ghay/) – broader term for earth or land. See G1093
• τόπος (topos, /to’-pos/) – specific place or location. See G5117

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: χώρα (the region)
• Genitive: χώρας (of the region)
• Dative: χώρᾳ (to/in the region)
• Accusative: χώραν (the region as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The rich semantic range of χώρα is evidenced across major lexicons. BDAG emphasizes its use for political territories and agricultural land. Thayer’s highlights its evolution from enclosed space to broader geographical territory. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its development. Vine’s notes its frequent use in contexts of divine activity. Strong’s connects it to the concept of empty space that can be filled. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings show its common use in administrative contexts. LEH demonstrates its Septuagint usage paralleling Hebrew terms for territory and land.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 2:12: “And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country [χώρα].”

Additional References:
Luke 2:8, Mark 5:10, Acts 8:1, Acts 10:39, John 4:35

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The concept of χώρα in Scripture reveals God’s sovereignty over physical spaces and territories. It appears in pivotal moments where divine and human realms intersect, such as the fields where shepherds received the gospel proclamation. This word reminds us that every territory belongs to King Jesus, and His kingdom transcends earthly boundaries while simultaneously transforming physical spaces into places of divine encounter. The good news is that wherever we are, that χώρα can become holy ground where God meets His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. χώρα evolved from meaning a specific enclosed space to representing entire countries
2. It appears in the famous “Chorography” – ancient geographical writings
3. Modern Greek still uses χώρα as its primary word for “country”

Strong’s G5561: A feminine noun denoting space, territory, or region. Derived from a primitive root meaning “to grasp or enclose,” χώρα represents defined geographical areas ranging from fields to countries, often appearing in contexts of divine activity and kingdom manifestation.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: territory, region, country, land, field, space, geography, kingdom, divine-territory, sacred-space​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​