Divine Provision: χρῄζω (Strong’s G5535: chrēzō) Reveals God’s Faithful Care

Strong’s G5535: A verb denoting deep need or necessity, χρῄζω expresses the concept of having a want or requirement. Derived from χρεία (need), it carries the profound theological significance of human dependency on divine provision, particularly emphasized in Jesus’ teaching about the Father’s knowledge of our needs.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρῄζω embodies the profound reality of human need and divine provision in the New Testament. This verb goes beyond merely expressing want – it conveys a state of genuine necessity or requirement. In the Gospels, Jesus uses this word to illustrate our Father’s intimate knowledge of our needs before we even ask. The early church understood this term as demonstrating the beautiful tension between human dependency and divine sufficiency. Today, χρῄζω continues to remind believers that our needs are not just known but actively considered by our heavenly Father, who delights in providing for His children.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρῄζω, chrēzō, /khrāy’-zō/
• Pronunciation: “kh” as in Scottish “loch”, “ray” as in sunray, “zō” as in zoo
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: χρεία (need, necessity)
• Suffix: -ζω (denominative verb ending indicating “to have/experience”)

D – Defining Meanings

• To need, to have need of
• To require
• To want, to desire based on necessity

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

Translation Options:

• “To need” – Most direct equivalent capturing the sense of necessity
• “To require” – Emphasizes the essential nature of the need
• “To have need of” – Captures the ongoing state of necessity

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δέομαι (deomai) /DEH-oh-my/ – To beg, pray, beseech – See G1189
• προσδέομαι (prosdeomai) /pros-DEH-oh-my/ – To need in addition – See G4326
• χρεία (chreia) /KHRAY-ah/ – Need, necessity – See G5532

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Present Active Indicative: χρῄζω
• Imperfect Active Indicative: ἔχρῃζον
• Present Active Participle: χρῄζων

Key morphological features:

• Tense: Usually appears in present tense
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Primarily indicative
• Person: Varies
• Number: Singular and plural forms exist
• Aspect: Present (continuous action)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into χρῄζω. BDAG emphasizes its connection to genuine necessity rather than mere desire. Thayer’s highlights its usage in both classical and biblical Greek, noting its frequent appearance in contexts of basic human needs. LSJ traces its development from classical usage through Koine Greek. Vine’s emphasizes its distinctiveness from similar words expressing want or desire. Strong’s connects it directly to χρεία, while LEH notes its Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its common usage in everyday life situations involving genuine needs.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For your Father knows what you [χρῄζω] need before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:32

Additional References:
Luke 11:8, Luke 12:30, Romans 16:2, 2 Corinthians 3:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρῄζω beautifully captures the reality of human dependency and divine provision. Its usage in the New Testament, particularly in Jesus’ teachings, reveals a profound truth: our heavenly Father knows our needs before we express them. This word reminds us that acknowledging our need is not a sign of weakness but an opportunity to experience God’s faithful provision. The good news shines through this word as we realize that our greatest need – salvation through the Messiah – has already been met by our loving Father who delights in caring for His children.

D – Did You Know?

1. χρῄζω appears in some of the earliest Greek papyri, showing its importance in everyday communication about needs
2. The word frequently appears in early Christian prayers and liturgical texts
3. Its usage in Matthew 6:32 forms part of Jesus’ teaching about worry and trust in divine provision

Strong’s G5535: A verb expressing genuine need or necessity, χρῄζω demonstrates the relationship between human dependency and divine provision. Used in contexts of basic human needs and spiritual requirements, it emphasizes God’s awareness and care for His people’s needs, appearing prominently in Jesus’ teachings about divine providence.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: need, necessity, provision, dependency, divine care, human needs, prayer, trust, father’s care, basic needs, provision, divine knowledge​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​