Divine Response: χρηματισμός (Strong’s G5538: chrematismos) Reveals God’s Oracle

Strong’s G5538: A divine response or oracle, derived from χρηματίζω (chrematizō). Refers to a divine communication or warning given by God, especially in dreams or visions. Used in both biblical and classical contexts to denote authoritative divine instruction or revelation.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρηματισμός embodies the concept of divine communication, specifically referring to an oracle or response from God. This word carries profound theological weight, representing not just any communication but an authoritative, divine instruction or warning. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where God directly intervenes to guide His people. The early church recognized χρηματισμός as evidence of God’s active involvement in human affairs, viewing such divine responses as crucial for spiritual direction. Today, this word reminds us that God still speaks to His people, though primarily through His written Word, the Bible.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρηματισμός, chrematismos, khray-mat-is-mos’
• Pronunciation: khrā-mä-tē-smos’
• Part of Speech: Masculine Noun

Etymology:

• χρηματ- (chremat-): root meaning “business, oracle”
• -ισμός (-ismos): nominal suffix indicating action or result
• Combined meaning: “divine business, oracle response”

D – Defining Meanings

• Divine response or oracle
• Authoritative warning from God
• Divine instruction or revelation

For compound words:
The suffix -ισμός transforms the verbal idea of divine communication into a concrete noun representing the result or product of that communication.

Translation Options:

• Divine response – captures the authoritative nature
• Oracle – emphasizes the supernatural aspect
• Divine instruction – highlights the practical guidance aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χρηματίζω (chrematizō) – to give a divine response G5537
• χρηστός (chrestos) – good, kind, gracious G5543
• χρῆσις (chresis) – use, manner of use G5540

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Nominative: χρηματισμός (the divine response)
• Genitive: χρηματισμοῦ (of the divine response)
• Dative: χρηματισμῷ (to/for the divine response)
• Accusative: χρηματισμόν (the divine response as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χρηματισμός represents a significant theological concept in biblical Greek. BDAG emphasizes its connection to divine revelation, while Thayer’s highlights its usage in both classical and biblical contexts. LSJ provides evidence of its secular usage in administrative contexts, though the biblical usage elevates it to divine communication. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of divine guidance, while Strong’s emphasizes its oracular nature. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri, showing its transition from secular to sacred contexts. The word consistently carries the weight of authoritative communication, particularly when used in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Romans 11:4: “But what says the divine response [χρηματισμός] to him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρηματισμός represents God’s direct involvement in human affairs through divine communication. This word appears at a crucial moment in Romans, where Paul discusses God’s faithfulness to His people. It reminds us that the Messiah continues to guide His church through His Word, just as He guided His people in biblical times. The good news is that God still speaks today through His written Word, providing direction, comfort, and wisdom to all who seek Him.

D – Did You Know?

• χρηματισμός originally referred to business dealings before taking on religious significance
• It’s the only noun form of its kind used for divine communication in the New Testament
• The word influenced early Christian understanding of how God communicates with His people

Strong’s G5538: A divine response or oracle, derived from χρηματίζω (chrematizō). Refers to a divine communication or warning given by God, especially in dreams or visions. Used in both biblical and classical contexts to denote authoritative divine instruction or revelation.

Part of speech: Masculine Noun

Tags: divine response, oracle, revelation, God’s voice, divine communication, prophecy, spiritual guidance, biblical Greek, Paul’s epistles, Romans​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​