Sacred Ground: χωρίον (Strong’s G5564: chorion) Reveals Divine Encounters

Strong’s G5564: A diminutive of χώρα (chora), χωρίον denotes a specific place, field, or enclosed piece of land. In biblical usage, it often refers to significant locations where divine encounters occurred, particularly in the context of Jesus’ ministry and passion narrative.

U- Unveiling the Word

χωρίον represents more than just a physical location – it embodies the concept of consecrated space where heaven meets earth. As a diminutive form of χώρα, it specifically refers to a limited or defined area, often carrying special significance. In the New Testament, χωρίον appears at pivotal moments, most notably in Gethsemane where Jesus faced His ultimate test. This word reminds us that God often chooses specific places for divine encounters, just as He did with Moses at the burning bush and Jacob at Bethel. Today, it teaches us that while God is omnipresent, He sometimes designates particular locations for special revelation and spiritual transformation.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χωρίον, chorion, /khō-rí-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: kho (as in chorus) – REE – on
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• χώρα (chora) – base word meaning “space” or “place”
• -ιον (ion) – diminutive suffix indicating a smaller version
• Combined meaning: “small place” or “particular piece of land”

D – Defining Meanings

• A limited or specific place
• A field or piece of land
• An estate or property
• A designated location

For compound words:
The diminutive suffix -ιον modifies the root χώρα to indicate a more specific or smaller area, emphasizing the particular nature of the location.

Translation Options:

• “Place” – Best captures the general sense while maintaining flexibility
• “Field” – Appropriate when referencing agricultural contexts
• “Estate” – Useful when indicating owned property

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χώρα (chora, /khō-ra/) – larger region or territory. See G5561
• τόπος (topos, /to-pos/) – place or location in general. See G5117
• ἀγρός (agros, /ag-ros/) – field or countryside. See G68

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Morphological Features:

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

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative Singular: χωρίον
• Genitive Singular: χωρίου
• Dative Singular: χωρίῳ
• Accusative Singular: χωρίον

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The various lexicons provide a rich understanding of χωρίον. BDAG emphasizes its usage as a limited piece of land or place, while Thayer’s highlights its relationship to larger geographical terms. LSJ adds classical usage including references to estates and farms. Vine’s notes its special significance in the Gethsemane narrative. Strong’s connects it to the concept of empty space or room. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings show its common usage in property transactions and land records, providing valuable insight into its everyday use in the first century.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 26:36: “Then Jesus went with them to a place [χωρίον] called Gethsemane, and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.'”

Additional References:
John 4:5, Acts 1:18, Acts 1:19, Acts 4:34, Acts 5:3, Acts 28:7

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χωρίον teaches us that God often works in specific places for specific purposes. From Gethsemane to Jacob’s well, these locations become sacred ground where divine encounters transform lives. The word reminds us that while God is everywhere, He sometimes chooses particular places for special revelation. This truth proclaims the good news that the Messiah entered our space and time, sanctifying the physical world through His presence, and continues to meet us where we are today.

D – Did You Know?

• χωρίον appears in ancient property contracts, showing its importance in legal documents
• The word is used to describe both Gethsemane and the field bought with Judas’s betrayal money, creating a powerful contrast
• In medical texts, χωρίον was used to describe specific areas of the body, showing its versatility

Strong’s G5564: A diminutive of χώρα (chora), χωρίον denotes a specific place, field, or enclosed piece of land. In biblical usage, it often refers to significant locations where divine encounters occurred, particularly in the context of Jesus’ ministry and passion narrative.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: location, place, field, estate, property, Gethsemane, sacred-space, divine-encounters, land, biblical-geography​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​