Divine Hospitality: χράομαι (Strong’s G5530: chraomai) Shows Christian Grace

Strong’s G5530: From the root meaning “to furnish what is needed,” χράομαι denotes the act of using, employing, or treating someone/something in a particular manner. In NT usage, it often carries connotations of showing kindness or treating others with consideration, especially in contexts of Christian hospitality and fellowship.

U- Unveiling the Word

χράομαι represents a versatile Greek verb that encompasses the concept of utilizing or treating something/someone with purpose and intention. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts involving Christian hospitality, proper conduct, and stewardship of relationships or resources. The word carries significant theological weight in demonstrating how early Christians were to interact with one another and manage God-given resources. The early church understood χράομαι as more than simple usage – it implied responsible stewardship and God-honoring treatment of others. Today, this word continues to teach us about Christian hospitality, proper use of resources, and treating others with grace and consideration.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χράομαι, chraomai, (krah’-om-ahee)
• Detailed pronunciation: krah (stressed) – om – ahee (unstressed)
• Part of Speech: Verb (deponent middle/passive)

Etymology:

• Root: χρά- (base meaning “to furnish/provide”)
• -ομαι (middle/passive voice ending indicating the subject’s involvement in the action)

D – Defining Meanings

• To use, employ, or make use of
• To treat or behave toward someone in a particular manner
• To experience or undergo something

For compound words:
Not applicable as χράομαι is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “to make use of” – emphasizes purposeful utilization
• “to treat” – best fits contexts involving interpersonal relationships
• “to experience” – appropriate when describing states or conditions

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρῆσις (chresis) – usage, employment G5540
• χρηστός (chrestos) – kind, good, gracious G5543
• χρεία (chreia) – need, necessity G5532

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a deponent verb, χράομαι appears only in middle/passive forms while having an active meaning:

• Present: χράομαι
• Future: χρήσομαι
• Aorist: ἐχρησάμην
• Perfect: κέχρημαι

The word follows regular -μι verb conjugation patterns with these features:

• Tense: Primarily present and aorist
• Voice: Middle/passive (deponent)
• Mood: Indicative, subjunctive, optative, imperative
• Person: First, second, third
• Number: Singular, plural
• Aspect: Both perfective and imperfective

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into χράομαι’s semantic range. BDAG emphasizes its meaning of “to make use of” while noting its special usage in contexts of personal relationships. Thayer’s highlights its connection to proper treatment of others and responsible stewardship. LSJ traces its classical usage showing evolution from simple “use” to more nuanced meanings of “experience” or “treat.” Vine’s connects it to Christian character and conduct. Strong’s emphasizes the middle voice aspect, showing personal involvement in the action. LEH and Moulton-Milligan provide evidence of its usage in broader Hellenistic literature, confirming its connection to proper conduct and treatment of others.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Julius treated [χράομαι] Paul kindly and gave him liberty to go to his friends to receive care. Acts 27:3

Additional References:
Acts 27:17, 1 Corinthians 7:21, 1 Corinthians 7:31, 1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Timothy 1:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χράομαι embodies the Christian principle of proper stewardship and treatment of others. Its usage in the New Testament demonstrates how believers should handle relationships, resources, and responsibilities with grace and wisdom. The word teaches us that how we use what God has given us and how we treat others matters deeply to Him. This reflects the good news of King Jesus by showing that His kingdom operates on principles of careful stewardship, gracious treatment of others, and responsible use of blessings – all pointing to His perfect example of treating us with incomparable grace and mercy.

D – Did You Know?

• χράομαι appears in ancient medical texts, describing how physicians should treat their patients
• The word influenced early Christian teachings about hospitality and fellowship
• Its meaning evolved from simple “use” to encompass ethical treatment and responsible stewardship

Strong’s G5530: A deponent verb denoting the act of using or treating something/someone with purpose and consideration. In NT contexts, it often carries connotations of Christian hospitality and proper stewardship, reflecting how believers should handle relationships and resources in light of God’s grace.

Part of speech: Deponent Verb

Tags: hospitality, stewardship, relationships, treatment, usage, Christian conduct, grace, fellowship, resources, responsibility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​