Divine Supply: χορηγέω (Strong’s G5524: chorēgeō) Abundantly Provides God’s Resources

Strong’s G5524: A compound verb combining “chorus” and “lead/provide,” meaning to supply, furnish, or provide abundantly. Originally referred to sponsoring public choruses in ancient Greece, later broadened to mean generous provision of resources. In NT usage, emphasizes God’s abundant provision for His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

χορηγέω represents a profound theological concept of divine provision and abundance. Originally denoting the sponsorship of chorus performances in ancient Greek festivals, the term evolved to encompass broader meanings of generous provision and supply. In the New Testament, it takes on spiritual significance, highlighting God’s role as the ultimate provider who abundantly supplies all our needs. This transformation from cultural to spiritual meaning reflects the early church’s understanding of God’s providence. Today, it reminds believers that the Lord remains our ultimate source of provision, both materially and spiritually.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χορηγέω, chorēgeō, kho-ray-GEH-oh
• Pronunciation Guide: kh (like ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’) + o as in ‘go’ + ray + GEH (hard g) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χορός (choros) – chorus, dance
• ἄγω (agō) – to lead, guide, bring
• -έω (-eō) – verb suffix indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To supply, furnish abundantly
• To provide for, sponsor
• To minister, supply in abundance

For compound words:
χορός (chorus) + ἄγω (to lead) + έω (verbal suffix) creates the concept of leading/providing for a chorus, which evolved into general provision

Translation Options:

• “Abundantly supply” – captures the generous nature of provision
• “Furnish completely” – emphasizes thoroughness of provision
• “Liberally provide” – reflects the generous, willing aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• παρέχω (parechō, par-EH-kho) – to furnish, provide, supply but without emphasis on abundance See G3930
• ἐπιχορηγέω (epichorēgeō, ep-ee-kho-ray-GEH-oh) – to supply additionally See G2023
• δίδωμι (didōmi, DID-oh-mee) – to give, but without the connotation of abundant provision See G1325

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: 3rd
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Imperfective

The word can appear in various forms:

• χορηγήσω (future)
• ἐχορήγησα (aorist)
• χορηγοῦμαι (passive)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes χορηγέω’s evolution from its classical meaning of sponsoring choruses to its broader application of generous provision. Thayer’s highlights its connection to public service in ancient Athens. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its development from civic duty to general provision. Vine’s emphasizes its spiritual applications in the NT. Strong’s connects it to the concept of dancing in a chorus, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in everyday Koine Greek for business transactions and provisions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Corinthians 9:10 “Now He who supplies [χορηγέω] seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness”

Additional References:
1 Peter 4:11

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χορηγέω beautifully captures God’s character as the abundant provider. Its evolution from sponsoring Greek choruses to describing divine provision shows how the early church transformed cultural concepts to express spiritual truths. This word reminds us that our Heavenly Father not only meets our basic needs but does so with overwhelming generosity. It proclaims the good news that in King Jesus, we have access to God’s unlimited spiritual and material resources, freely given through His grace.

D – Did You Know?

• The word originally referred to wealthy patrons who funded public performances in ancient Athens
• It evolved from a civic duty to a spiritual concept of divine provision
• The concept influenced early Christian understanding of God’s providence through communal sharing

Strong’s G5524: A compound verb combining “chorus” and “lead/provide,” meaning to supply, furnish, or provide abundantly. Originally referred to sponsoring public choruses in ancient Greece, later broadened to mean generous provision of resources. In NT usage, emphasizes God’s abundant provision for His people.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: provision, abundance, supply, divine provision, generosity, Greek culture, classical Greek, New Testament Greek, biblical Greek, spiritual provision​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​