ἐπιχορηγία
epichorēgía
G2024 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A provision or supply, especially of what is needed; in particular, the act or process of providing support or resources, often in a material or spiritual sense. In some contexts, ἐπιχορηγία refers to a contribution or aid given to meet a need, while in others, it carries the nuance of lavish or generous supply, such as that provided by a patron or benefactor.
Semantic Range
supply, provision, support, contribution, aid, generous or coordinated giving of resources
Root / Etymology
From ἐπιχορηγέω (to supply, furnish, provide), itself based on χορηγός (chorēgós, a leader of a chorus, sponsor of a dramatic performance) with the prefix ἐπι- indicating direction or addition. The word thus conveys the sense of providing or supplying what is necessary.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἐπιχορηγία is rare in classical Greek, appearing more frequently in the Koine and later Hellenistic periods. It draws on theatrical and civic imagery, as the chorēgós was a well-known public sponsor or benefactor in classical Athens. In the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 1:19, Ephesians 4:16), the term is used metaphorically for both spiritual support (such as divine aid or the Spirit's help) and the mutual support among members of a community. English translations often render the word as "supply" or "provision," but these may not fully reflect the connotation of generous or coordinated support that it carries in Greek usage. Compared to χορηγία (chorēgía), which simply means ‘supply’ or ‘provision’, ἐπιχορηγία frequently implies a directed or additional provision. The word’s usage in the Septuagint is extremely limited or absent, indicating its particular prominence in later Hellenistic and early Christian contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπιχορηγέω; contribution:--supply.
Root Family
χορηγ- (epichorēgéō) — to supply, to provide, to furnish
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2024-01 |
ἐπιχορηγίας | epichoregias | N GEN F SG |
supply | of provision | provision | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2024-01 |
Ephesians 4:16 | ἐπιχορηγίας | epichoregias | N GEN F SG |
supply | of provision | provision |
G2024-01 |
Philippians 1:19 | ἐπιχορηγίας | epichoregias | N GEN F SG |
supply | of provision | provision |