Money Matters: χρῆμα (Strong’s G5536: chrēma) Reveals Earthly Wealth’s Spiritual Impact

Strong’s G5536: From χράομαι (chraomai), χρῆμα refers to money, wealth, or possessions used in business and commerce. In New Testament usage, it often carries implications about the spiritual dangers of material wealth and its relationship to entering God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρῆμα carries profound significance in New Testament teaching about wealth and discipleship. Derived from χράομαι (to use, employ), it specifically denotes money or wealth as something useful or employed in transactions. Unlike other terms for wealth, χρῆμα emphasizes the practical, transactional nature of possessions. This word appears at crucial moments in Scripture where Jesus teaches about the relationship between material wealth and spiritual life. In early church usage, it became particularly associated with discussions about stewardship and the proper Christian attitude toward material possessions. Today, this word continues to challenge believers to examine their relationship with wealth and its potential impact on their spiritual journey.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρῆμα, chrēma, /ˈkreː.ma/
• Detailed pronunciation: KRAY-mah (long ‘a’ as in ‘father’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: χράομαι (chraomai) – to use, employ, utilize
• Suffix: -μα (-ma) – indicates result of action
• Formation: The addition of -μα to the verbal stem creates a noun indicating the result or product of using

D – Defining Meanings

• Something useful or needed
• Money, riches, wealth
• Property or possessions used in business
• Material resources

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

Translation Options:

• “Money” – Best captures the concrete, transactional nature
• “Wealth” – Emphasizes the accumulated nature of possessions
• “Resources” – Reflects the utilitarian aspect of the term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλοῦτος (ploutos) /ˈplu.tos/ – general wealth or abundance See G4149
• ἀργύριον (argurion) /arˈgy.ri.on/ – silver, money See G694
• μαμωνᾶς (mamōnas) /ma.moˈnas/ – mammon, material wealth personified See G3126

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:

• Nominative singular: χρῆμα
• Genitive singular: χρήματος
• Dative singular: χρήματι
• Accusative singular: χρῆμα
• Nominative/Accusative plural: χρήματα

Cross-references:

• Verbal form: χράομαι (to use)
• Adjective form: χρηστός (useful)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into χρῆμα’s semantic range and usage. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning as “that which is used” or “wealth in terms of money.” Thayer’s highlights its development from the concept of “something useful” to specifically denoting “money.” LSJ traces its classical usage, showing how it often appeared in plural form (χρήματα) to denote wealth or riches more generally. Vine’s notes its connection to practical usage and commerce. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence demonstrates its common use in business documents and financial transactions throughout the Hellenistic world. Strong’s connects it to the idea of employment or dispensation of wealth.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 10:23: “And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, ‘How difficult it will be for those who have wealth [χρήματα] to enter the kingdom of God!'”

Additional References:
Acts 4:37
Acts 8:18
Acts 8:20
Acts 24:26

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρῆμα represents more than just money – it embodies the complex relationship between material wealth and spiritual life. Through this word, we see the Messiah’s teaching about the potential barriers wealth can create to entering God’s kingdom, while also acknowledging money’s proper use in human affairs. The good news is that while wealth can be an obstacle, nothing is impossible with God. The proper understanding of χρῆμα helps us grasp that true riches are found in the kingdom of God, not in earthly treasures.

D – Did You Know?

• χρῆμα appears most frequently in Acts, often in contexts involving the proper and improper use of money in religious contexts
• The plural form χρήματα was commonly used in ancient business contracts and legal documents
• The word influenced several modern Greek financial terms

Strong’s G5536: χρῆμα denotes money or wealth specifically in its practical, transactional aspect. Derived from the verb meaning “to use,” it emphasizes material possessions as tools or resources, often appearing in contexts discussing the spiritual implications of wealth and its proper use in God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: money, wealth, possessions, riches, material goods, stewardship, kingdom of God, discipleship, financial wisdom, biblical economics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​