Lexical Summary chrématizó: to warn, to instruct, to reveal, to be called Original Word: χρηματίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance instruct, reveal, warnFrom chrema; to utter an oracle (compare the original sense of chraomai), i.e. Divinely intimate; by implication, (compare the secular sense of chreia) to constitute a firm for business, i.e. (generally) bear as a title -- be called, be admonished (warned) of God, reveal, speak. see GREEK chrema see GREEK chraomai see GREEK chreia HELPS Word-studies 5537 xrēmatízō (from xrēma, "a legal agreement for transacting business") – properly, to admonish on the basis of a valid standard (what has true worth); used of God admonishing (warning) people – based on what has real value to Him. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chréma Definition to transact business, to make answer NASB Translation called (2), directed (1), revealed (1), warned (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5537: χρηματίζωχρηματίζω; future χρηματίσω (Romans 7:3 (cf. Buttmann, 37 (33)); in Greek writings everywhere the Attic χρηματιω, so too Jeremiah 32:16 1. "to transact business, especially to manage public affairs; to advise or consult with one about public affairs; to make answer to those who ask advice, present inquiries or requests," etc.; used of judges, magistrates, rulers, kings. Hence, in some later Greek writings, 2. to give a response to those consulting an oracle (Diodorus 3, 6; 15, 10; Plutarch, mor., p. 435 c. (i. e. de defect. oracc. 46); several times in Lucian); hence, used of God in Josephus, Antiquities 5, 1, 14; 10, 1, 3; 11, 8, 4; universally, (dropping all reference to a previous consultation), to give a divine command or admonition, to teach from heaven ((Jeremiah 32:16 3. to assume or take to oneself a name from one's public business (Polybius, Diodorus, Plutarch, others); universally, to receive a name or title, be called: Acts 11:26; Romans 7:3 (Josephus, Antiquities (8, 6, 2); 13, 11, 3; b. j. 2, 18, 7; (c. Apion. 2, 3, 1; Philo, quod deus immut. § 25 at the end; leg. ad Gaium § 43); Ἀντίοχον τόν Ἐπιφανῆ χρηματίζοντα, Diodorus in Müller's fragment vol. ii, p. 17, no. 21:4; Ἰάκωβον τόν χρηματισαντα ἀδελφόν τοῦ κυρίου, Acta Philippi at the beginning, p. 75; Tdf. edition; Ἰακώβου ... ὅν καί ἀδελφόν τοῦ Χριστοῦ χρηματίσαι οἱ Θειοι λόγοι περιέχουσιν, Eus. h. e. 7, 19; (cf. Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word, 2)). Strong’s 5537 gathers two complementary ideas: (1) an authoritative communication that directs or warns, and (2) a formal designation that establishes identity or legal standing. In every New Testament use the voice behind the verb carries binding force, whether God, an angelic messenger, or recognized public opinion. Divine Revelation and Guidance 1. Matthew 2:12; 2:22; Luke 2:26 – The infancy narratives hinge on divine warnings delivered in dreams. “And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they withdrew to their country by another route” (Matthew 2:12). These messages protect the Messiah and steer obedient recipients into God’s redemptive storyline. Naming and Legal Status 1. Acts 11:26 – “The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.” The passive form implies that a wider community, noticing distinct loyalties and practices, publicly conferred the name. What may have begun as a label of derision became a badge of honor and identity. Continuity of God’s Speaking Voice From Noah to Moses to the Magi, the verb links Old and New Testament revelation. Scripture presents one consistent pattern: God speaks, His word defines reality, and blessing comes through responsive obedience. The author of Hebrews explicitly locates God’s present speech “from heaven” (Hebrews 12:25), assuring believers that the same voice that once thundered at Sinai still directs the church. Implications for Ministry • Discernment: Whether guidance arrives through Scripture, providential circumstances, or Spirit-prompted conviction, believers must weigh every impression against the canon that already bears God’s authority. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Ignatius, Clement of Alexandria) saw in 5537 a confirmation that God continues to shepherd the church. Reformation expositors highlighted Romans 7:3 to defend justification by faith apart from the Law, while missionary movements drew courage from Acts 10 and 11, recognizing that divinely initiated outreach breaks ethnic barriers. Summary Strong’s 5537 portrays God as the One who names, warns, and directs. His utterance confers identity, reshapes destinies, and secures covenant continuity. Hearing and heeding that authoritative voice remains central to faithful Christian life and ministry. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 2:12 V-APP-NMPGRK: καὶ χρηματισθέντες κατ' ὄναρ NAS: And having been warned [by God] in a dream KJV: And being warned of God in a dream INT: And having been divinely warned in a dream Matthew 2:22 V-APP-NMS Luke 2:26 V-RPM/P-NNS Acts 10:22 V-AIP-3S Acts 11:26 V-ANA Romans 7:3 V-FIA-3S Hebrews 8:5 V-RIM/P-3S Hebrews 11:7 V-APP-NMS Hebrews 12:25 V-PPA-AMS Strong's Greek 5537 |
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