Household Harmony: Χλόη (Strong’s G5514: Chloe) Points to Early Church Unity

Strong’s G5514: A feminine proper noun derived from the Greek word for “verdant,” referring to tender green shoots or the first green of spring. Chloe was a prominent Christian woman in Corinth whose household reported divisions in the church to Paul.

U- Unveiling the Word

Χλόη, meaning “green shoot” or “blooming,” appears in the New Testament as the name of an influential Christian woman in Corinth. Her significance extends beyond her name’s literal meaning, as she demonstrated spiritual responsibility by having her household report serious concerns about church division to Paul. This communication led to crucial apostolic teaching on church unity and proper Christian conduct. Today, Chloe’s example continues to inspire believers in their responsibility to maintain church unity and address division with wisdom and discretion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Χλόη, Chloe, /ˈkloʊ.i/
• Detailed pronunciation: KLOH-ee (like the modern name Chloe)
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Derived from χλόη (chloē) meaning “young green shoot”
• Related to χλωρός (chloros) meaning “green, pale green”
• Common Greek name associated with Demeter (in pagan context)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: A feminine proper name meaning “green shoot” or “verdant”
• Metaphorical association with growth, life, and springtime

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple proper noun

Translation Options:

• Chloe – Most direct transliteration and widely accepted
• Khloe – Alternative transliteration preserving Greek sound
• Verdant One – Literal meaning translation (rarely used)

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χλωρός (chloros) /klo.ros/ – green, pale, fresh – See G5515
• χόρτος (chortos) /kor.tos/ – grass, hay – See G5528

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative: Χλόη (subject)
• Genitive: Χλόης (possessive)
• Dative: Χλόῃ (indirect object)
• Accusative: Χλόην (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The name Χλόη appears in classical Greek literature and mythology before its New Testament usage. BDAG notes it as a proper name of a Christian woman in Corinth. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to verdant growth and springtime, while LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use as both a common noun for fresh growth and as a proper name. Vine’s connects it to the concept of spiritual growth and vitality. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence showing its common usage as a female name in the Greco-Roman world, particularly among freed persons.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.
1 Corinthians 1:11

Additional References: No additional references in Scripture

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Χλόη represents more than just a name in the New Testament; it exemplifies early Christian leadership and responsibility. Her household’s report to Paul demonstrates the importance of addressing church division and maintaining unity in the Body of Messiah. The meaning of her name, connected to new growth and vitality, symbolically aligns with the growth and vitality of the early church. This reminds us that the good news of King Jesus flourishes through faithful believers who take responsibility for the health of His church.

D – Did You Know?

• The modern scientific term “chlorophyll” derives from the same root as Χλόη
• Chloe was also an epithet of Demeter, though the Christian Chloe represents a complete break from pagan associations
• The name remains popular today, ranked among the top 100 girls’ names in many English-speaking countries

Strong’s G5514: A feminine proper noun derived from Greek χλόη meaning “green shoot.” Refers to a prominent Christian woman in Corinth whose household reported church divisions to Paul, leading to crucial apostolic teaching on unity and proper conduct in the early church.

Part of speech: Proper Noun (feminine)

Tags: proper names, women in the Bible, Corinthian church, church unity, early church, Paul’s letters, Greek names, biblical names, feminine names, church leadership​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​