Without Jesus: χωρίς (Strong’s G5565: chōris) Reveals Our Need for Him

Strong’s G5565: A preposition meaning “apart from” or “without,” derived from χώρα (chōra, “space between”). Denotes separation, distinction, or absence, emphasizing both physical and spiritual separation. In theological contexts, it often highlights humanity’s state apart from God and the necessity of divine intervention.

U- Unveiling the Word

The preposition χωρίς fundamentally expresses separation or absence, conveying both physical and spiritual distance. In theological contexts, it powerfully illustrates the gap between humanity and God, emphasizing our complete dependence on divine grace. The word carries weight in passages discussing salvation, highlighting that without (χωρίς) faith it is impossible to please God. Early church fathers frequently used this term to emphasize humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness apart from the Messiah’s work. Today, it remains a crucial term in understanding our total dependence on God’s grace and the impossibility of genuine spiritual life apart from Him.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χωρίς, chōris, /khoˈris/
• Pronounced: khō-RECE (where ‘kh’ is guttural like Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Preposition

Etymology:

• Derived from χώρα (chōra) meaning “space” or “gap”
• Related to concepts of separation and distance
• The -ις suffix indicates a state or condition

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:
• Without, apart from
• Separate from
• Besides, in addition to

For compound words: Not applicable as χωρίς is not compound

Translation Options:

• “without” – emphasizes complete absence
• “apart from” – stresses separation
• “separate from” – highlights distinction

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄνευ (aneu) /AH-new/ – also means “without” but less common – See G427
• ἐκτός (ektos) /ek-TOSS/ – means “outside, except” – See G1622
• δίχα (dicha) /DEE-kha/ – means “separately, apart” – See G1364

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a preposition, χωρίς is indeclinable, meaning it doesn’t change form based on case or number. However, it typically:

• Takes the genitive case of its object
• Functions adverbially when used alone
• Can act as an improper preposition
• Related adjectival form: χωριστός (separated)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes χωρίς’s fundamental meaning of separation and its frequent use in theological contexts. Thayer’s highlights its use in expressing exceptions and absence. LSJ traces its classical usage from physical separation to more abstract concepts. Vine’s notes its importance in soteriological passages, particularly in Hebrews. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in papyri for legal and business contexts, often indicating exclusions in contracts. The word maintains consistent meaning across various contexts, though theological usage adds significant depth to its basic semantic range.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 13:34: “All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables, and He did not speak to them without [χωρίς] a parable.”

Additional References:
John 15:5, Hebrews 11:6, Hebrews 9:22, Romans 3:21, Ephesians 2:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The preposition χωρίς powerfully illustrates our complete dependence on God. Its usage in key passages like John 15:5 emphasizes that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. This word proclaims the good news by highlighting our need for the Messiah – we cannot achieve salvation or righteousness apart from Him. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our own merit but on His grace and presence in our lives.

D – Did You Know?

• χωρίς appears 41 times in the New Testament
• It plays a crucial role in Hebrews’ explanation of salvation
• The word influenced English theological terms like “chorism” (the concept of separation)

Strong’s G5565: A preposition denoting separation or absence, χωρίς emphasizes complete detachment or independence from something. In theological contexts, it powerfully illustrates humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness apart from God, underscoring our dependence on divine grace for salvation and spiritual life.

Part of speech: Preposition

Tags: preposition, separation, absence, without, apart-from, dependence, grace, salvation, theological-terms, biblical-greek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​