Divine Appointment: χειροτονέω (Strong’s G5500: cheirotoneō) Ordains Kingdom Leadership

Strong’s G5500: A compound verb meaning “to elect by stretching out the hand,” derived from χείρ (hand) and τείνω (to stretch). Used in ecclesiastical contexts for appointing leaders through voting or divine selection, emphasizing both human participation and divine authority in church governance.

U – Unveiling the Word

χειροτονέω represents a fascinating intersection of democratic Greek practice and early church governance. The word literally paints a picture of hands stretching out – whether for voting or blessing – in the solemn act of appointment. In ancient Athens, this described citizens voting by show of hands. The early church adapted this term to represent the divine-human partnership in selecting leaders. While maintaining the sense of communal affirmation, it took on deeper spiritual significance, showing how the Messiah’s church valued both divine guidance and orderly human participation in leadership selection. Today, this word reminds us that church leadership is both a sacred trust and a community responsibility.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χειροτονέω, cheirotoneō, khi-ro-to-NEH-o
• Pronunciation: Key-roh-toh-NEH-oh (like “key” + “row” + “toe” + “neigh” + “oh”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χείρ (cheir) – hand, representing human agency
• τείνω (teinō) – to stretch or extend
• -έω (-eō) – verb ending indicating ongoing action

D – Defining Meanings

• To elect or appoint by show of hands
• To choose, appoint, or ordain to an office
• To designate for a task or position

For compound words:
χείρ (hand) + τείνω (stretch) creates the image of extended hands, either voting or blessing. The -έω suffix makes it an ongoing action verb.

Translation Options:

• “To appoint” – Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the action
• “To ordain” – Captures the religious/ecclesiastical context
• “To elect” – Highlights the democratic/communal aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καθίστημι (kathistēmi, kath-IS-tay-mee) – to set in order, appoint – See G2525
• ἐκλέγομαι (eklegomai, ek-LEG-om-ahee) – to select, choose – See G1586
• προχειρίζομαι (procheirozomai, pro-kheye-RID-zom-ahee) – to appoint beforehand – See G4400

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: Third
• Number: Plural, Singular
• Aspect: Progressive (Present), Perfective (Aorist)

The word follows regular -έω verb patterns. In present tense: χειροτονῶ, χειροτονεῖς, χειροτονεῖ. In aorist: ἐχειροτόνησα, ἐχειροτόνησας, ἐχειροτόνησε.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide a rich understanding of χειροτονέω’s evolution. BDAG emphasizes its development from secular voting practices to ecclesiastical appointment. Thayer’s highlights the transition from literal hand-raising to metaphorical appointment. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its democratic origins. Vine’s notes its specialized use in church contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of public election. LEH adds Septuagint usage insights, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its widespread administrative use in the Hellenistic world.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
And when they had appointed [χειροτονήσαντες] elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Acts 14:23

Additional References:
2 Corinthians 8:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χειροτονέω beautifully illustrates how the early church adapted Greek democratic practices to serve Kingdom purposes. This word reminds us that while leadership in the Messiah’s church involves human participation, it ultimately flows from divine authority. The careful process of appointing leaders through prayer, fasting, and community affirmation shows us that church governance should balance spiritual guidance with orderly human involvement. This word proclaims the good news that King Jesus establishes His kingdom through both divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

D – Did You Know?

• The word originally referred to voting in the Athenian assembly where thousands of citizens would raise their hands to vote
• Early church councils used this term in their official documents for appointing bishops
• The word influenced modern ecclesiastical terms for ordination in several languages

Strong’s G5500: A compound verb meaning “to elect by stretching out the hand,” derived from χείρ (hand) and τείνω (to stretch). Used in ecclesiastical contexts for appointing leaders through voting or divine selection, emphasizing both human participation and divine authority in church governance.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: appointment, church leadership, ordination, election, voting, hands, blessing, divine authority, ecclesiastical terms, church governance, early church, leadership selection​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​