Lexical Summary epichorégia: Supply, provision Original Word: ἐπιχορηγία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance supply. From epichoregeo; contribution -- supply. see GREEK epichoregeo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2024 epi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epichorégeó Definition a supply NASB Translation provision (1), supplies (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2024: ἐπιχορηγίαἐπιχορηγία, ἐπιχορηγίας, ἡ (ἐπιχορηγέω, which see) (Vulg.subministratio), a supplying, supply: Ephesians 4:16; Philippians 1:19. (Ecclesiastical writers.) Topical Lexicon Overview of Divine ProvisionStrong’s Greek term 2024 points to a lavish, ongoing provision originating in God and mediated through His appointed means. In both of its New Testament occurrences the word emphasizes that believers do not lack any resource necessary for growth, endurance, or effective ministry. Whether the focus is corporate edification (Ephesians 4:16) or personal perseverance (Philippians 1:19), the Spirit-directed supply is portrayed as abundant, timely, and sufficient. Occurrences in the New Testament Ephesians 4:16 pictures the Church as Christ’s body “fitted and held together by every supporting ligament,” highlighting that the Lord furnishes the connective strength enabling the whole to develop “in love.” Here the provision operates through relationships, spiritual gifts, and mutual service, so that no member functions in isolation. Philippians 1:19 reveals another dimension: “this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” Paul counts on an external flow of divine help that partners with intercession, sustaining him amid imprisonment and confirming that God’s supply never runs dry where prayer is present. Historical Background The verb behind the noun once referred to underwriting a theatrical chorus in the Greco-Roman world—a costly public service assumed by wealthy citizens. By using the cognate noun, the apostles borrow familiar civic language to underscore the generosity of God’s kingdom economy: the ultimate Benefactor lavishes resources on His people so that the drama of redemption advances without deficit. Theological Significance 1. Source. Both texts anchor the supply in the triune God—Christ as Head of the body (Ephesians) and the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Philippians). Divine initiative precedes human response, safeguarding grace from any hint of self-sufficiency. 2. Means. God’s provision flows through ordained channels: in Ephesians, every joint and part; in Philippians, corporate prayer. These means are never substitutes for God but instruments in His hands, reminding believers to value fellowship and intercession. 3. Purpose. The supply aims at maturity (Ephesians 4:13-16) and victorious witness (Philippians 1:19-21). Growth and deliverance are not ends in themselves but serve the magnification of Christ. Intertextual Connections The same motif surfaces in passages where God “richly provides” (1 Timothy 6:17) and “supplies seed to the sower” (2 Corinthians 9:10). The Old Testament backdrop includes the wilderness manna (Exodus 16) and Elijah’s miraculously replenished jar (1 Kings 17:16)—episodes that prefigure the unceasing New Covenant provision through the Spirit. Ministry Application • Leadership: Pastors and elders are called to depend on and distribute God’s supply rather than rely on charisma or programs. Planning is necessary, but spiritual resourcing comes from the Head. • Congregational life: Every believer is a conduit of provision. Neglecting any member impoverishes the body; honoring each part enriches the whole. • Prayer ministry: Intercessors participate in releasing divine supply. Paul’s confidence that prayer plus the Spirit would result in deliverance encourages churches to pray expectantly for missionaries and persecuted saints. Pastoral Encouragement In crises, believers can echo Paul’s certainty that God’s provision will meet them at the point of need. In seasons of growth, churches can rest in the same promise that Christ supplies the ligaments that hold everything together. Both texts resist scarcity thinking and invite faith in a surplus-oriented God. Conclusion Strong’s 2024 depicts more than a mere allotment; it describes the rich, continuous flow of grace that equips the Church for unity, holiness, and mission. By trusting, praying, and serving within the pathways God has ordained, believers experience firsthand the generous provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations επιχορηγιας επιχορηγίας ἐπιχορηγίας epichoregias epichoregías epichorēgias epichorēgíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 4:16 N-GFSGRK: ἁφῆς τῆς ἐπιχορηγίας κατ' ἐνέργειαν NAS: joint supplies, according KJV: joint supplieth, according INT: joint of the supply according to [the] working Philippians 1:19 N-GFS |
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