Lending and Friendship: κίχρημι (Strong’s G5531: kichrēmi) Reveals Divine Generosity

Strong’s G5531: A verb meaning “to lend,” derived from ancient Greek practices of lending and borrowing. Emphasizes gracious lending without expectation of gain, reflecting community support and hospitality in both secular and religious contexts. Demonstrates the practical outworking of loving one’s neighbor.

U – Unveiling the Word

κίχρημι embodies the concept of lending with a distinctly gracious character, setting it apart from commercial lending terms. The word carries connotations of friendly assistance rather than business transactions, emphasizing the lender’s goodwill. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts highlighting community support and mutual aid among believers. This benevolent lending reflects God’s generous character and the early church’s practice of sharing resources. The word’s significance extends beyond mere financial transactions, pointing to the Messiah’s teachings about generosity and caring for others’ needs without expecting returns.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: κίχρημι, kichrēmi, /ki-KRAY-mee/
• Detailed pronunciation: key-KRAY-mee (where ‘ch’ is pronounced like ‘k’)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: χράω (chraō) – to furnish what is needful
• Reduplicated form κι- (ki-) added to intensify meaning
• -μι (-mi) ending indicating present tense verb form

D – Defining Meanings

• To lend without interest
• To provide temporarily for another’s need
• To grant use of something with expectation of return

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but features reduplication (κι-) for emphasis

Translation Options:

• “Lend freely” – emphasizes the gracious nature of the lending
• “Grant use” – focuses on the temporary provision aspect
• “Provide temporarily” – highlights the expectation of return

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δανείζω (daneidzō) /dan-IDE-zō/ – to lend at interest See G1155
• χράω (chraō) /KHRA-ō/ – to supply what is needed See G5530
• παρέχω (parechō) /par-EKH-ō/ – to provide, furnish See G3930

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verb features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: First
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive/continuous action

The -μι ending marks this as a present tense verb. In various contexts, it can appear as:

• κίχρημι (present active indicative)
• κιχράναι (aorist active infinitive)
• κέχρηκα (perfect active indicative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons highlight κίχρημι’s unique position in Biblical Greek. BDAG emphasizes its distinction from commercial lending terms, noting its connection to friendship and community support. Thayer’s indicates the word’s connection to gracious provision without expectation of profit. LSJ traces its classical usage in contexts of civic duty and friendship. Vine’s notes its appearance in Luke’s Gospel connects to teachings on generosity. Strong’s emphasizes the temporary nature of the lending. LEH provides evidence of similar usage in Septuagint literature. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri showing regular community lending practices.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend [κίχρημι] me three loaves?'” Luke 11:5

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

κίχρημι represents a beautiful picture of generous lending that reflects God’s character. Its appearance in Luke 11:5 connects to the Messiah’s teaching about persistent prayer and God’s faithful provision. The word emphasizes lending without seeking advantage, mirroring God’s gracious giving to His children. This concept powerfully illustrates how believers should support one another in practical ways, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in everyday relationships.

D – Did You Know?

• κίχρημι is one of the few -μι verbs in the New Testament that relates to financial dealings
• The word appears in ancient Greek medical texts for “lending” medical assistance
• Its usage in classical literature often related to civic duties and friendship obligations

Strong’s G5531: A verb meaning “to lend,” derived from ancient Greek practices of lending and borrowing. Emphasizes gracious lending without expectation of gain, reflecting community support and hospitality in both secular and religious contexts. Demonstrates the practical outworking of loving one’s neighbor.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: lending, generosity, friendship, community, provision, Greek verbs, Luke’s Gospel, prayer, hospitality, ancient economics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​