Earthly Nature: χοϊκός (Strong’s G5517: choikos) Reveals Our Glorious Transformation

Strong’s G5517: From chous (soil/dust); earthy, made of dust or soil. A uniquely Pauline term used to contrast the earthly, physical nature of the first Adam with the heavenly, spiritual nature of the last Adam (Messiah). Emphasizes the temporal, material aspect of human existence before glorification.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term χοϊκός (choikos) is a powerful descriptor that Paul employs exclusively in his first letter to the Corinthians to establish a profound theological contrast between humanity’s earthly origin and heavenly destiny. This adjective, derived from χοῦς (dust/soil), emphasizes our creation from earth’s elements while pointing toward our ultimate transformation. In early church teachings, this word became central to discussions about the resurrection body and human nature. Today, it remains crucial for understanding both our humble origins and the magnificent promise of our future glorification in the Messiah.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χοϊκός, choikos, /khoh-ee-KOSS/
• Detailed pronunciation: kho (as in ‘chorus’) – ee (as in ‘meet’) – KOSS (as in ‘cost’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• χοῦς (chous) – dust, soil, earth
• -ικός (-ikos) – adjectival suffix meaning “pertaining to” or “characterized by”

D – Defining Meanings

• Made of earth/dust
• Earthly in nature
• Pertaining to that which is formed from soil

For compound words:
The base χοῦς provides the core meaning of “dust/soil,” while the suffix -ικός transforms it into an adjective describing something characterized by earthly qualities.

Translation Options:

• “Made of dust” – emphasizes the material origin
• “Earthly” – captures the nature and character
• “Earth-derived” – highlights the source and composition

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γήϊνος (geinos) /GAY-ee-nos/ – earthly, but emphasizing terrestrial nature rather than composition. See G1093
• ἐπίγειος (epigeios) /ep-IG-ei-os/ – earthly, but focusing on location rather than substance. See G1919
• σαρκικός (sarkikos) /sar-kee-KOS/ – fleshly, emphasizing physical nature. See G4559

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as an adjective:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: First/Second

The word follows regular first/second declension patterns:

• Masculine: χοϊκός, χοϊκοῦ, χοϊκῷ, χοϊκόν
• Feminine: χοϊκή, χοϊκῆς, χοϊκῇ, χοϊκήν
• Neuter: χοϊκόν, χοϊκοῦ, χοϊκῷ, χοϊκόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons consistently emphasize the unique Pauline usage of χοϊκός in theological discourse. BDAG highlights its connection to Genesis creation narrative, while Thayer’s emphasizes its contrast with the heavenly nature. LSJ notes its rare occurrence outside biblical literature, suggesting Paul may have coined this term. Vine’s draws attention to its significance in resurrection theology. Moulton and Milligan observe its absence in papyri, reinforcing its specialized theological usage. The lexicons unanimously point to its crucial role in Paul’s Adam-Messiah typology.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
1 Corinthians 15:47: “The first man was from the earth [χοϊκός], a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 15:48, 1 Corinthians 15:49

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The term χοϊκός serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s humble origins while simultaneously pointing to our glorious destiny in the Messiah. Paul uses this word to establish a profound theological framework contrasting our earthly nature with our future heavenly existence. This demonstrates the incredible transformation promised through the gospel – though we bear the image of the earthly man, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. This truth proclaims hope to believers, assuring us that our current limitations are temporary, and through the Messiah, we are destined for glory.

D – Did You Know?

• χοϊκός appears exclusively in 1 Corinthians 15, making it a hapax legomenon in Pauline literature
• The word forms part of Paul’s sophisticated Adam-Messiah typology
• Its theological significance influenced early Christian anthropology and resurrection doctrine

Strong’s G5517: From chous (soil/dust); earthy, made of dust or soil. A uniquely Pauline term used to contrast the earthly, physical nature of the first Adam with the heavenly, spiritual nature of the last Adam (Messiah). Emphasizes the temporal, material aspect of human existence before glorification.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: earthly, dust, Adam, creation, resurrection, transformation, Pauline, anthropology, eschatology, glorification​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​