Time Management Warning: χρονοτριβέω (Strong’s G5551: chronotribeo) Teaches Divine Priorities

Strong’s G5551: A compound verb meaning “to spend or waste time,” derived from χρόνος (time) and τρίβω (to wear or rub). Used specifically in contexts of deliberate delay or time management, especially regarding ministry priorities and strategic decisions.

U- Unveiling the Word

χρονοτριβέω represents a fascinating compound verb that literally means “to wear away time.” The word paints a vivid picture of time being rubbed away or consumed, like fabric wearing thin through constant use. In Acts, Paul uses this word to express his strategic decision-making regarding ministry priorities. This concept remains deeply relevant today as believers navigate competing demands on their time and resources. The early church understood this term in the context of stewardship – not just of material resources, but of the precious commodity of time itself. This perspective challenges modern believers to consider how they “wear away” their time and whether their choices align with Kingdom priorities.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χρονοτριβέω, chronotribeo, kron-ot-ree-BEH-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: KRON (as in chronicle) + oh + tree + BEH (as in bear) + oh
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χρόνος (chronos) – time
• τρίβω (tribo) – to wear, rub
• -έω (-eō) – verbal suffix indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To spend time
• To wear away time
• To delay intentionally

For compound words:
χρόνος contributes the core concept of “time,” while τρίβω adds the notion of wearing or rubbing. The -έω suffix indicates ongoing action.

Translation Options:

• “To spend time” – Emphasizes neutral time usage
• “To wear away time” – Captures the wearing/rubbing metaphor
• “To delay” – Focuses on the resultant effect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• διατρίβω (diatribo, dee-at-REE-bo) – to continue, remain – See G1304
• χρονίζω (chronizo, kron-ID-zo) – to take time, delay – See G5549
• βραδύνω (braduno, brad-OO-no) – to delay, be slow – See G1019

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Infinitive
• Aspect: Continuous/Progressive

The word would transform in English as:

• Present: I spend time
• Imperfect: I was spending time
• Future: I will spend time
• Aorist: I spent time

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines χρονοτριβέω primarily as “spend time,” while Thayer’s emphasizes the element of delay. LSJ provides additional classical usage examples showing deliberate time expenditure. Vine’s connects it to strategic decision-making in ministry contexts. Strong’s highlights the compound nature of the word. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in administrative contexts regarding time management. LEH offers insights into its Hellenistic usage, particularly in contexts of intentional delay for strategic purposes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 20:16 “For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not [spend time] in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χρονοτριβέω embodies the critical concept of time stewardship in the New Testament. Paul’s usage in Acts demonstrates strategic decision-making in ministry, choosing to bypass Ephesus not out of disregard but from a careful weighing of priorities. This word challenges believers to consider how they steward their time in service of the Kingdom. The good news of King Jesus includes His lordship over our time – teaching us to use it wisely for eternal purposes rather than merely wearing it away on temporal concerns.

D – Did You Know?

• χρονοτριβέω is one of the few compound verbs in the New Testament that combines time (chronos) with a physical action (tribō).
• The word appears in ancient shipping documents, describing deliberate delays for strategic purposes.
• Its single New Testament usage occurs in a context of missional strategy rather than mere scheduling.

Strong’s G5551: A compound verb meaning “to spend or waste time,” derived from χρόνος (time) and τρίβω (to wear or rub). Used specifically in contexts of deliberate delay or time management, especially regarding ministry priorities and strategic decisions.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: time management, delay, ministry strategy, stewardship, Paul’s journeys, strategic planning, missional focus, prioritization, Greek compound verbs, chronos​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​