Lexical Summary Chouzas: Chuza Original Word: Χουζᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Chuza. Of uncertain origin; Chuzas, an officer of Herod -- Chuza. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5529: ΧουζᾶςΧουζᾶς, Χουζᾶ (Tdf. Proleg., p. 104; Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ, Chuzas (A. V. (less correctly) Chusa), the steward of Herod Antipas: Luke 8:3. Topical Lexicon Identity and Historical Setting Chuza appears once in the Greek New Testament (Luke 8:3) and is situated in the court of Herod Antipas, tetrarch of Galilee and Perea. His name surfaces in a period of political complexity, where Herod’s palace life intersected with the growing public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. The single reference is sufficient to establish Chuza as an historical figure who held a respectable post in a royal household, placing him among the higher social strata of first-century Galilee. Position within Herod Antipas’s Administration Luke designates Chuza as “Herod’s steward,” a role that ordinarily involved managing the monarch’s finances, estates, and household logistics. Comparable positions in contemporary Greco-Roman courts entailed significant responsibility and influence, often granting the steward direct access to the ruler. The presence of such an official in the Gospel narrative underlines the far-reaching impact of Jesus’ message, extending even into circles presumed to be loyal to a ruler wary of messianic movements (Luke 9:7-9). Family Ties: Joanna the Wife of Chuza The most prominent detail about Chuza emerges through his wife Joanna, who is noted twice by Luke. Luke 8:3: “Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household, Susanna, and many others were supporting them from their own possessions.” Luke 24:10: “It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.” Joanna thus belongs to the small group of women who (1) traveled with Jesus and His disciples, (2) contributed materially to the ministry, and (3) became eyewitnesses of the empty tomb. Chuza’s household therefore stands at a unique intersection of royal administration and apostolic testimony. Financial Support for Jesus’ Ministry Luke emphasizes that Joanna and other women “were supporting them from their own possessions.” Chuza’s managerial role likely afforded the family a stable income. Their generosity demonstrates that participation in the gospel mission transcended gender and class boundaries. While Luke does not specify whether Chuza personally directed funds, his wife’s freedom to give suggests household solidarity in benevolence. Representation of the Gospel among the Elite Chuza’s position parallels later mentions of believers in high offices—“those who belong to Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22) and “Herod’s tetrarch” Manaen (Acts 13:1). Such instances show that the gospel penetrated social echelons thought impervious to its claims. Through Joanna’s witness, Chuza’s household became a point of contact between the court of a political ruler and the kingdom proclaimed by Jesus. Implications for Stewardship and Discipleship 1. Stewardship: Chuza’s professional expertise reminds believers that administrative skills and material resources can be sanctified for kingdom purposes. Subsequent Christian Tradition Early church writings do not expand upon Chuza, but later Christian imagination placed Joanna among the “myrrh-bearing women.” Some medieval lists included Chuza as a silent witness to the resurrection through his wife. While not canonical, these traditions highlight the enduring respect paid to households that facilitated the earthly ministry of Christ. Theological Reflections The solitary New Testament appearance of Chuza illustrates a recurring biblical theme: God sovereignly positions individuals in strategic roles so that His redemptive plan reaches every sphere of society. By linking palace bureaucracy with itinerant ministry, Luke shows that “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). Chuza’s home, though embedded in Herodian politics, became an outpost of the gospel—a testimony that divine providence can harness any vocation for the advance of Christ’s kingdom. Forms and Transliterations Χουζα Χουζᾶ Chouza ChouzâLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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