5535. chrézó

Lexical Summary

chrézó: To need, to have need of

Original Word: χρῄζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: chrézó
Pronunciation: khray'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (khrade'-zo)
KJV: (have) need
NASB: need, have need, needs
Word Origin: [from G5532 (χρεία - need)]

1. to make (i.e. have) necessity, i.e. be in want of

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

have need.

From chreia; to make (i.e. Have) necessity, i.e. Be in want of -- (have) need.

see GREEK chreia

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from chré
Definition
to need, have need of
NASB Translation
have need (1), need (3), needs (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5535: χρῄζω

χρῄζω; (χρή); from Homer down; to have need of, to be in want of: with a genitive of the object (Winer's Grammar, § 30, 8 a.), Matthew 6:32; Luke 11:8; Luke 12:30; Romans 16:2 (here with the genitive of a person); 2 Corinthians 3:1.

Topical Lexicon

Overview

Strong’s Greek 5535 appears five times in the New Testament and consistently highlights the idea of genuine need—whether material, relational, or ministerial. Its contexts range from Jesus’ teaching on anxiety to Paul’s instructions on commendation and hospitality. Each setting underscores the Lord’s concern for His people’s necessities and the believer’s responsibility to meet the needs of others.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• Matthew 6:32 – Jesus contrasts kingdom trust with Gentile anxiety: “your heavenly Father knows that you need them.”
• Luke 12:30 – The same reassurance is repeated: “your Father knows that you need them.”
• Luke 11:8 – In the parable of the persistent friend, the host “will get up and give him as much as he needs.”
• Romans 16:2 – The church is urged to “assist [Phoebe] in any matter she may need from you.”
• 2 Corinthians 3:1 – Paul asks whether he “need[s] … letters of recommendation.”

Theology of Need and Dependence

Scripture never treats legitimate need as weakness; rather, it frames need as an avenue for God’s provision and for mutual ministry within the body of Christ. Jesus’ words in Matthew and Luke reveal a Father who is already attentive to necessities before His children even ask. The believer’s response, therefore, is not anxious striving but confident pursuit of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

Kingdom Trust vs. Gentile Anxiety

In the Sermon on the Mount, need is the dividing line between two ways of life. The nations “strive after” necessities, yet disciples rest in divine knowledge and care. This trust frees believers from consuming worry and reorients them toward eternal priorities. Luke 12:30 repeats the lesson for a broader audience, emphasizing that kingdom security applies in every culture and generation.

Persistence in Intercession (Luke 11:8)

The friend at midnight shows that recognizing another’s pressing need justifies bold, persistent intercession. Jesus applies the parable to prayer: believers should approach the Father with the same confidence that a neighbor ultimately offers bread. Needs become opportunities for fervent, faith-filled requests that move the heart of God.

Hospitality and Mutual Support (Romans 16:2)

Phoebe’s example illustrates how the early church treated concrete needs. Paul asks the Roman believers to supply “any matter she may need,” acknowledging her previous service. Genuine need invites tangible action. Hospitality, financial assistance, and practical help are not optional extras but integral expressions of gospel partnership.

Credentials and Gospel Ministry (2 Corinthians 3:1)

Paul raises the rhetorical question of whether he “need[s] … letters of recommendation.” Here the term points to perceived requirements for ministry validation. Paul’s real commendation is the transformed lives of the Corinthians, written “not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God” (2 Corinthians 3:3). The episode reminds the church that spiritual authenticity outweighs human paperwork, even while recognizing that commendations can serve a purpose (compare Romans 16:1).

Practical Application for Believers Today

1. Trust God’s Provision: Anxiety over necessities contradicts the Father’s character.
2. Pray Boldly for Others: Identifying real needs fuels persistent intercession.
3. Meet Needs Tangibly: Like the Romans aiding Phoebe, believers should mobilize resources for fellow saints and gospel workers.
4. Value Spiritual Fruit over Human Credentials: Formal endorsements have a place, yet transformed lives remain the ultimate validation of ministry.

Forms and Transliterations

χρηζει χρήζει χρῄζει χρηζετε χρήζετε χρῄζετε χρηζη χρήζη χρῄζῃ χρηζομεν χρήζομεν χρῄζομεν χρήζωσιν chrḗizei chrḗizēi chrḗizete chrḗizomen chreze chrēzē chrezei chrēzei chrezete chrēzete chrezomen chrēzomen

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 6:32 V-PIA-2P
GRK: οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων
NAS: knows that you need all
KJV: that ye have need of all
INT: Heavenly that you have need of these things all

Luke 11:8 V-PIA-3S
GRK: αὐτῷ ὅσων χρῄζει
NAS: up and give him as much as he needs.
KJV: him as many as he needeth.
INT: him as much as he needs

Luke 12:30 V-PIA-2P
GRK: οἶδεν ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων
NAS: knows that you need these things.
KJV: that ye have need of these things.
INT: knows that you have need of these things

Romans 16:2 V-PSA-3S
GRK: ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι καὶ
NAS: matter she may have need of you; for she herself
KJV: business she hath need of you:
INT: anyhow of you she might need matter also

2 Corinthians 3:1 V-PIA-1P
GRK: ἢ μὴ χρῄζομεν ὥς τινες
NAS: again? Or do we need, as some, letters
KJV: ourselves? or need we, as some
INT: or not we need as some

Strong's Greek 5535
5 Occurrences

χρῄζῃ — 1 Occ.
χρῄζει — 1 Occ.
χρῄζετε — 2 Occ.
χρῄζομεν — 1 Occ.