Lexical Summary chré: To need, to have necessity Original Word: χρῄ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ought. Third person singular of the same as chraomai or chrao used impersonally; it needs (must or should) be -- ought. see GREEK chraomai see GREEK chrao NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition it is necessary, fitting NASB Translation ought (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5534: χρήχρή; (from χράω, χραει contracted χρή); impors. verb, it is necessary; it behooves: followed by an infinitive James 3:10 ((Buttmann, §§ 131, 3; 132, 12). From Homer on. Synonym: see δεῖ, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Background and Nuance The verb χρή (Strong’s 5534) conveys moral or logical necessity—what “ought” to be done. Unlike δεῖ (Strong’s 1163), which often stresses an impersonal or divinely fixed necessity, χρή carries a sense of propriety, fittingness, or inner obligation that arises from the character of the action itself. Classical writers used it for civic duty or relational responsibility. In Koine Greek the term maintains this ethical coloring, highlighting what is right or fitting rather than what is merely required. Canonical Usage in the New Testament James 3:10 contains the term’s sole New Testament occurrence: “Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!” (James 3:10). Here James denounces contradictory speech among believers. χρή sets a moral boundary—blessing God and cursing people made in His image are incompatible. The verse functions as a pastoral rebuke grounded in creation theology and the redeemed community’s calling to holiness of speech. Old Testament and Intertestamental Echoes The Septuagint employs χρή in passages such as Deuteronomy 23:21 and Ezekiel 44:7 where covenantal duties are in view, reinforcing the sense of obligation that flows from relationship with God. In later Jewish literature the word appears in ethical maxims, emphasizing conduct consistent with divine wisdom (e.g., Sirach 41:14). This background prepares readers of James for understanding the term not as bare command but as covenantally shaped propriety. Theological Emphases 1. Integrity of Worship and Conduct: James presents the tongue as a barometer of the heart. χρή underscores that genuine worship requires congruent speech toward others. Pastoral and Ethical Applications • Self-Examination: χρή calls believers to assess whether their words align with their professed allegiance to Christ. Reflection in Early Christian Writings Church fathers echoed James’s concern. John Chrysostom, commenting on the passage, argued that praise becomes hollow when coupled with reviling, for “such a mouth does not know what is fitting.” Augustine appealed to χρή when urging clergy to speak with charity, viewing the term as a moral imperative intrinsic to the gospel. Homiletical and Discipleship Implications Preachers can use James 3:10 to frame messages on verbal integrity, emphasizing that the “oughtness” springs from gospel identity rather than legalistic constraint. In discipleship settings the verse serves as a memory text for cultivating edifying conversation (Ephesians 4:29) and for addressing sins of slander or gossip. Prayer and Worship Prayers of confession often incorporate James’s language, acknowledging failures of speech. Worship leaders may juxtapose songs of praise with silent reflection, inviting participants to ensure their lips are consistent in blessing both God and neighbor. Related Terms and Conceptual Network • δεῖ (1163) – necessary (divine plan) Together these words portray a spectrum from external compulsion to internal propriety; χρή occupies the latter end, emphasizing fitting behavior arising from wisdom and love. Summary Strong’s 5534, χρή, encapsulates the moral necessity of speech aligned with the character of God and the dignity of His image-bearers. Appearing once in the New Testament, it nevertheless exerts significant theological weight, challenging believers to harmonize worship and daily conversation, thereby bearing consistent witness to the Lord they bless. Forms and Transliterations χρη χρή chre chrē chrḗLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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