Lexical Summary chraó or kichrémi: lend Original Word: χράομαι (chraó) or κίχρημι (kichrémi) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance lend. Probably the same as the base of chraomai; to loan -- lend. see GREEK chraomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to chré Definition to lend NASB Translation lend (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5531: κίχρημικίχρημι: 1 aorist active imperative χρῆσόν; to lend: τίνι τί, Luke 11:5. (From Herodotus down.) [SYNONYMS: see δανείζω, at the end.] STRONGS NT 5531: χράωχράω, see κίχρημι. Topical Lexicon Entry Overview Strong’s Greek Number: 5531 Transliteration: chrēson (imperative form of the verb) Primary Sense: to lend, to supply what is needed Canonical Occurrence Luke 11:5 – “...‘Friend, lend me three loaves’”. Narrative Context in Luke 11:5 The single New Testament use of 5531 appears in the introductory sentence of Jesus’ parable of the friend at midnight (Luke 11:5-8). The narrative pictures one man unexpectedly hosting a traveler and urgently appealing to a neighbor for bread. The verb translated “lend” underscores immediate, practical assistance expected within covenant community life. Jesus builds on this commonplace social obligation to illustrate persevering prayer and the certainty of the Father’s generous response (Luke 11:9-13). Old Testament Foundations for Lending and Neighborly Aid 1. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 sets the ethical baseline, commanding Israel not to harden the heart toward a needy brother but to “open your hand” freely. These passages form the moral backdrop against which first-century listeners would have judged the midnight friend who hesitated to help. Hospitality in First-Century Jewish Life Hospitality was a social imperative, heightened by travel customs that often required unplanned overnight stays. Bread, the staple of daily diet (Matthew 6:11), symbolized sustenance itself. Refusing to lend bread risked community shame. Jesus intentionally selects this scenario to assure disciples that God, unlike the reluctant neighbor, never withholds needed provision. Theological Emphases Persevering Petition: The request, “lend me,” becomes a paradigm for bold, persistent prayer (Luke 11:8-10). Divine Generosity: If a flawed human eventually lends, “how much more” will the heavenly Father give good gifts and the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13). Intercessory Concern: The petitioner seeks bread not for himself but for another. True prayer engages the needs of others, echoing Job 42:10 and Philippians 2:4. Covenant Community: Lending affirms mutual responsibility within God’s people (Acts 4:34-35; Romans 12:13). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Cultivating Readiness to Share – Leaders and congregations are admonished to maintain resources for benevolence (1 John 3:17). Christological Insight Jesus Himself embodies the faithful friend who both intercedes and supplies. In the incarnation He identifies with the midnight host’s poverty (2 Corinthians 8:9) and, through His atoning work, furnishes the living bread of heaven (John 6:35). Missional and Ecclesial Significance The church’s witness is advanced when believers quickly “lend” material aid (James 2:15-16) and spiritual encouragement (Hebrews 3:13). Such responsiveness validates the gospel message and displays the character of the God who answers prayer. Summary Strong’s Greek 5531, though occurring only once, opens a window onto the biblical ethic of generous lending, the reliability of God in answering prayer, and the mutual care expected among disciples. The midnight appeal for “three loaves” continues to challenge contemporary Christians toward ready hospitality, steadfast intercession, and confident trust in the Father’s abundant provision. Forms and Transliterations χρησον χρῆσόν chreson chrêsón chrēson chrē̂sónLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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