Lexical Summary chorégeó: To supply, to furnish, to provide Original Word: χορηγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance give, minister. From a compound of choros and ago; to be a dance-leader, i.e. (generally) to furnish -- give, minister. see GREEK choros see GREEK ago HELPS Word-studies 5524 xorēgéō (from xorēgos, "a person who both funds and directs an epic, ancient chorus," and 2233 /hēgéomai, "lead") – properly, to fund and lead a grand event, bearing all the expenses necessary to stage the grand event. 5524 /xorēgéō ("richly supply") in both NT occasions refers to God lavishly supplying all believers need, in every scene of life – so each becomes a grand (eternal) event! See 2 Cor 9:10; 1 Pet 4:11. [5524 (xorēgéō) is used in classical Greek for funding a chorus, supplying everything needed to make it an event! "The provision of a chorus at public festivals was a costly business for the Athenian public offices, who supplied in abundance" (P. Hughs).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom choros and agó Definition to lead a chorus (i.e. a group of performers), to defray the cost of a chorus NASB Translation supplies (1), supply (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5524: χορηγέωχορηγέω, χορήγω; future 3 person singular χορηγήσει (2 Corinthians 9:10 G L T Tr WH); 1 aorist optative 3 person singular χορηγ´ησαι (ibid., Rec.); (χορηγός, the leader of a chorus; from χορός and ἄγω (ἡγέομαι)); from (Simonides), Xenophon, Plato down; 1. to be a chorus-leader, lead a chorus. 2. "to furnish the chorus at one's own expense; to procure and supply all things necessary to fit out the chorus" (so very often in the Attic writings). 3. in later writings ((Aristotle), Polybius, Diodorus, Philo, Josephus, Plutarch, Aelian, others; 1 Kings 4:7; 1 Macc. 14:10; 2 Macc. 3:3, etc.), to supply, furnish abundantly: τί, 2 Corinthians 9:10; 1 Peter 4:11. (Compare: ἐπιχορηγέω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 5524 portrays the generous act of supplying what is necessary for worship, ministry, and daily life. Rooted in a civic term for underwriting a public chorus, the verb is lifted by the New Testament writers to describe God’s lavish provision and the believer’s corresponding responsibility. Biblical Occurrences • 2 Corinthians 9:10 sets the word in the framework of financial generosity: “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Paul encourages the Corinthian church with the assurance that God not only initiates giving but sustains it, turning material gifts into spiritual fruit. Old Testament and Jewish Background In the Septuagint the cognate noun and verb often describe royal or temple provisioning (for example, 1 Kings 4:7), preparing a linguistic bridge for New Testament authors. Jewish readers already familiar with the concept of a benefactor now see God Himself as the Benefactor behind every benevolent act. Historical and Cultural Background In first–century Hellenistic cities, a χορηγός (chorēgos) was a wealthy patron who underwrote expensive public performances. Paul and Peter appropriate this civic metaphor: the Lord assumes the patron’s role, underwriting the “performance” of gospel ministry and congregational care. Theological Significance 1. Divine Source: Both occurrences underscore that the initiative and resources originate with God, insulating Christian generosity from mere philanthropy. Christ as the Ultimate Supplier The context of 2 Corinthians 8–9 points to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who “though He was rich, yet for your sakes became poor.” The incarnate Son provides the supreme pattern: His self-emptying becomes the wellspring of all Christian giving. Ministry and Ecclesial Implications • Stewardship: Churches can expect God to furnish both material and spiritual resources sufficient for the tasks He assigns. Related Greek Terms and Intertextual Links The compound ἐπιχορηγέω (Strong’s 2023) intensifies the idea (“supply abundantly”) in passages such as 2 Peter 1:5–11, reinforcing the theme of lavish provision that fuels growth in godliness. Together these terms sketch a theology of sufficiency that spans material and spiritual spheres. Practical Application for Believers Today 1. Pray expectantly for necessary resources, trusting the Supplier. Summary Strong’s Greek 5524 encapsulates the gracious cycle in which God supplies, believers steward, and God receives glory. Whether manifested in bread on the table, funds for mission, or power for teaching and service, the provision is unbroken. As the early church learned, confidence in the divine Supplier energizes joyful generosity and Christ-honoring ministry. Forms and Transliterations εχορήγουν χορηγει χορηγεί χορηγεῖ χορηγείν χορηγήσαι χορηγησει χορηγήσει χορηγίαν χόριον choregei choregeî chorēgei chorēgeî choregesei choregḗsei chorēgēsei chorēgḗseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 9:10 V-FIA-3SGRK: εἰς βρῶσιν χορηγήσει καὶ πληθυνεῖ NAS: for food will supply and multiply KJV: to the sower both minister bread for INT: for eating may he supply and may he multiply 1 Peter 4:11 V-PIA-3S Strong's Greek 5524 |