Natural Use Perverted: χρῆσις (Strong’s G5540: chrēsis) Reveals Divine Design

Strong’s G5540: From chraomai; employment, use, or (specifically) sexual intercourse – referring to the natural function or use of something, particularly in contexts discussing God’s created order and its perversion.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρῆσις (chrēsis) carries profound significance in Biblical Greek, primarily denoting the natural use or function of something as designed by God. While it appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances carry weighty theological implications regarding God’s created order. The word emphasizes how things ought to be used according to their intended purpose, particularly in relation to human sexuality. In Romans, Paul employs this term to highlight how departing from God’s design represents a fundamental disorder in creation, reflecting deeper spiritual rebellion. This concept remains relevant today as it speaks to God’s wisdom in establishing natural order and the consequences of rejecting His design.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρῆσις, chrēsis, /ˈkreː.sis/
• Detailed pronunciation: KRAY-sis (with a rolling ‘r’)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: χράομαι (chraomai) – to use, employ
• Suffix: -σις (-sis) – forms abstract nouns indicating action or process
• Function: Creates a noun describing the act or process of using

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary use or employment of something
• Natural function as designed
• Sexual relations (in specific contexts)

For compound words:
The suffix -σις transforms the verbal idea of “to use” into a noun describing the act itself.

Translation Options:

• Natural function – best captures the sense of divine design
• Use – most literal translation but may miss contextual nuance
• Natural relations – specifically in sexual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χράομαι (chraomai) /ˈkraː.o.mai/ – to use, employ See G5530
• χρῆμα (chrēma) /ˈkreː.ma/ – something useful, money See G5536
• χρεία (chreia) /ˈkreː.a/ – need, necessity See G5532

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Cases: Nominative χρῆσις, Genitive χρήσεως, Dative χρήσει, Accusative χρῆσιν
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

The word follows regular third declension patterns, with characteristic stem changes in oblique cases. Understanding these forms helps track how the word functions within sentences.

• Related adjective: χρηστός (useful, good)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources consistently emphasize χρῆσις as denoting natural or proper use. BDAG highlights its specific application to sexual relations in Romans, while Thayer’s expands on its broader meaning of employment or use. LSJ provides evidence of secular usage meaning “employment” or “use” in various contexts. Vine’s emphasizes the word’s connection to divine design and purpose. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in papyri for business transactions and proper use of objects. This breadth of meaning underscores how Paul employs it specifically to address departure from divinely ordained natural functions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural [χρῆσις] into that which is against nature (Romans 1:26)

Additional References:
Romans 1:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρῆσις powerfully communicates God’s intentional design in creation. This word reminds us that everything has its proper use and function as established by our Creator. The good news is that through the Messiah, we can be restored to living according to God’s perfect design. When we submit to His wisdom and order, we find true fulfillment and purpose. This word teaches us that God’s ways are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect wisdom in creating and ordering all things.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient medical texts discussing proper body functions
• It was commonly used in business documents for proper use of borrowed items
• The concept influenced early Christian teaching about stewardship of creation

Strong’s G5540: From chraomai; employment, use, or (specifically) sexual intercourse – referring to the natural function or use of something, particularly in contexts discussing God’s created order and its perversion.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: use, function, design, creation-order, natural-law, divine-design, sexuality, Romans, proper-use, stewardship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​