Lexical Summary epichorégeó: To supply, to provide, to furnish abundantly Original Word: ἐπιχορηγέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance aid, minister nourishment unto. From epi and choregeo; to furnish besides, i.e. Fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute -- add, minister (nourishment, unto). see GREEK epi see GREEK choregeo HELPS Word-studies 2023 epi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and chorégeó Definition to supply NASB Translation provides (1), supplied (2), supplies (1), supply (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2023: ἐπιχορηγέωἐπιχορηγέω, ἐπιχορήγω; 1 aorist imperative ἐπιχορηγήσατε; passive (present ἐπιχορηγοῦμαι); 1 future ἐπιχορηγηθήσομαι; (see χορηγέω); to supply, furnish, present (German darreichen): τίνι τί, 2 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 3:5; equivalent to to show or afford by deeds: τήν ἀρετήν, 2 Peter 1:5; in passive, εἴσοδος, furnished, provided, 2 Peter 1:11; passive to be supplied, ministered unto, assisted (so the simple χορηγεῖσθαι in Xenophon, rep. Athen. 1, 13; Polybius 3, 75, 3; 4, 77, 2; 9, 44, 1; Sir. 44:6; 3Macc. 6:40): Colossians 2:19, where Vulg.sabministratum. (Rare in secular writings as Dionysius Halicarnassus 1, 42; Phalaris, epistle 50; (Diogenes Laërtius 5, 67; (Alex. Aphr. probl. 1, 81).) Topical Lexicon Background of the Term Originally a theatrical and civic word in classical Greek culture, ἐπιχορηγέω described a wealthy patron who underwrote an entire chorus for a drama festival—meeting every expense so the production would be splendid. When the New Testament writers adopt the verb they retain the idea of lavish, purposeful provision, now transferred from the theater to the redemptive plan of God and the life of the church. Distribution in the New Testament The verb appears five times: 2 Peter 1:5; 2 Peter 1:11; 2 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 3:5; Colossians 2:19. Across these settings the provider is sometimes the believer (2 Peter 1:5), yet finally and decisively God Himself (the other four texts). The scope ranges from personal virtue to corporate growth, from spiritual empowerment to material resources, tying the whole Christian experience to God’s overflowing generosity. Divine Provision in Salvation History Scripture never portrays God as a reluctant giver. From Eden’s garments to the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world, the Father supplies what His people cannot. ἐπιχορηγέω underscores that truth: whatever is necessary for life and godliness is not eked out but richly furnished. Spiritual Formation and Virtue Supply (2 Peter 1:5–11) “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue…” (2 Peter 1:5). Peter calls believers to act as “patrons” of their own character, yet the surrounding context shows that the resources come from God (1:3). The imperative does not imply self-generated holiness; rather, believers are to draw from the divine treasury already granted in Christ. The same passage promises that “the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly provided for you” (1:11). The bookends are significant: the believer supplies diligence, God supplies eternal welcome. Human responsibility and divine assurance stand together without contradiction. Generosity and Material Provision (2 Corinthians 9:10) “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Paul links God’s material provision with the advance of righteousness. The agricultural imagery stresses both sufficiency (“bread for food”) and surplus (“multiply your store of seed”). Christian giving is therefore never mere philanthropy; it is sowing in faith, trusting the God who continually replenishes the sower. The Spirit’s Empowering (Galatians 3:5) “So then, does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your hearing with faith?” The present participle pictures an ongoing ministry of the Spirit, repeatedly furnished to the church apart from law-keeping. Miracles, conversions, and sanctification are not wages earned but gifts supplied through faith. The verse safeguards both the freedom of grace and the vitality of the Spirit’s work in contemporary ministry. Corporate Growth of the Body (Colossians 2:19) “He has lost connection to the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.” Christ supplies cohesion and increase to His body. Human systems may organize, but only divine supply animates. Abiding in the Head is therefore not optional strategy but the sole condition for authentic church growth. Assurance and Eschatological Fulfillment (2 Peter 1:11) The lavish entrance promised in 1:11 answers every anxiety about perseverance. The same God who presently supplies virtue, Spirit, and resources will one day supply a triumphant reception into the eternal kingdom. Assurance rests not in fluctuating performance but in the steadfast generosity of the King. Practical Ministry Applications • Encourage believers to view every need—spiritual, relational, material—as an opportunity to trust God’s abundant supply. Doctrinal Connections Provision and perseverance: God not only starts the work but also sustains and completes it (Philippians 1:6). Provision and union with Christ: All supply flows “from whom” (Colossians 2:19), highlighting the centrality of the Head. Provision and faith: The channel is believing reception, never legal achievement (Galatians 3:5). Summary Strong’s Greek 2023 paints a portrait of God as extravagant Benefactor and of believers as conduits who draw on and distribute His riches. Whether the sphere is virtue formation, Spirit empowerment, material generosity, or corporate maturity, ἐπιχορηγέω assures that God’s resources are equal to every demand and that His glorious finale is already lavishly prepared for those in Christ. Forms and Transliterations επιχορηγηθησεται επιχορηγηθήσεται ἐπιχορηγηθήσεται επιχορηγησατε επιχορηγήσατε ἐπιχορηγήσατε επιχορηγουμενον επιχορηγούμενον ἐπιχορηγούμενον επιχορηγων επιχορηγών ἐπιχορηγῶν epichoregesate epichoregḗsate epichorēgēsate epichorēgḗsate epichoregethesetai epichoregethḗsetai epichorēgēthēsetai epichorēgēthḗsetai epichoregon epichoregôn epichorēgōn epichorēgō̂n epichoregoumenon epichoregoúmenon epichorēgoumenon epichorēgoúmenonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 9:10 V-PPA-NMSGRK: ὁ δὲ ἐπιχορηγῶν σπόρον τῷ NAS: Now He who supplies seed to the sower KJV: Now he that ministereth seed INT: he who moreover supplies seed to him that Galatians 3:5 V-PPA-NMS Colossians 2:19 V-PPM/P-NNS 2 Peter 1:5 V-AMA-2P 2 Peter 1:11 V-FIP-3S Strong's Greek 2023 |
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