Lexical Summary chronotribeó: To spend time, to delay, to waste time Original Word: χρονοτριβέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spend time. From a presumed compound of chronos and the base of tribos; to be a time-wearer, i.e. To procrastinate (linger) -- spend time. see GREEK chronos see GREEK tribos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chronos and the same as tribos Definition to spend time NASB Translation spend time (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5551: χρονοτριβέωχρονοτριβέω, χρονοτριβω: 1 aorist infinitive χρονοτριβῆσαι; (χρώς and τρίβῳ); to wear away time, spend time: Acts 20:16 (Aristotle, rhet. 3, 3, 3 (p. 1406a, 37); Plutarch, Heliod, Eustathius, Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Linguistic Background and Sense of the Term The verb carries the picture of time being worn away or rubbed out through delay. It therefore suggests lingering, tarrying, or allowing time to be consumed. By implication, it contrasts sharply with purposeful, mission-driven movement. New Testament Usage The word appears once in the Greek New Testament, Acts 20:16, where Luke records, “For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost” (Berean Standard Bible). The solitary usage makes the context especially decisive for interpreting the term. Context in Acts 20:16 Paul had gathered the offering of the Gentile churches for the Jerusalem believers (Romans 15:25-28; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4). Pentecost was an ideal moment to present this love-gift and to testify to the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ. Every day of travel mattered. Remaining in Asia Minor—where fruitful yet demanding ministry always awaited—would “rub out” the limited time left before the feast. To avoid that loss, Paul bypassed Ephesus, summoning the Ephesian elders to Miletus instead. Historical and Missional Significance 1. Urgency in Apostolic Travel 2. The Jerusalem Collection 3. Leadership Transition Theological Reflections: Stewardship of Time Acts 20:16 illustrates a biblical theme found elsewhere: Ephesians 5:15-16 “Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; redeem the time.” John 9:4 “We must do the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work.” Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Paul’s refusal to “spend time” unprofitably echoes these passages. Time is a divine stewardship, measured, purposeful, and not to be frittered away. Where the verb highlights the danger of letting time slip, the call to “redeem the time” presses believers toward intentional service. Practical Ministry Applications • Strategic Planning: Ministry workers should prayerfully evaluate open doors, choosing those that advance God’s priorities most effectively. Related Concepts and Synonyms While 5551 warns against lingering, words such as “redeem” (exagorazō) urge proactive investment of time. Together they frame a theology of time that calls believers both to avoid waste and to seize kingdom opportunities. Summary Strong’s Greek 5551 alerts the reader to the peril of letting time be consumed aimlessly. In its lone New Testament appearance, the term highlights Paul’s focused determination to fulfill a God-given assignment within a narrowing window. The example commends vigilant stewardship of every hour for the advancement of the gospel and the edification of Christ’s church. Forms and Transliterations χρονοτριβησαι χρονοτριβήσαι χρονοτριβῆσαι χρυσαυγούντα chronotribesai chronotribêsai chronotribēsai chronotribē̂saiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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