χαλάω
chaláō
G5465 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To loosen, let down, lower (especially by means of a rope or other mechanism); more generally, to release or relax tension. The primary lexical sense is to permit something to descend by slackening or releasing restraint, most frequently used of lowering a person or object from a height. Contextually, it can also mean to relax (as in easing a restriction or constraint), but is not typically synonymous with releasing someone from obligation or setting someone free in a legal sense.
Semantic Range
to let down (with ropes), to lower (into a place), to loosen (tension or fastening), to relax (restraint), to slacken
Root / Etymology
From the base χαλ- (chal-, meaning 'to loosen, relax, lower'), likely connected with χάσμα (chásma, 'gap, chasm'). The root is ancient and attested in classical and Koine Greek, but its precise pre-Greek origin is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, χαλάω referred broadly to the action of slackening, loosening, or relaxing (e.g., loosening a belt, relaxing the sails of a ship, or lowering a rope). In the LXX and New Testament, it most often refers specifically to physically letting down or lowering someone or something (e.g., Paul being let down in a basket, Acts 9:25). The action implies a controlled descent, typically aided by a device (rope, cords, etc.). The word is distinct from ἀφίημι (to release, forgive) in that χαλάω never signifies the removal of legal or moral obligations. The common English translation 'let down' (as in Acts 9:25 or Luke 5:4-5) is contextually accurate, though 'lower' may be preferable for clarity. In the Septuagint, the verb is similarly used for lowering objects or individuals, maintaining this primary physical sense. The verb can occasionally be used metaphorically (e.g., to relax one's stance or to diminish intensity), but these usages are rare in biblical contexts.
Translation Consistency
The primary sense of χαλάω is to let something descend or slacken restraint (especially by rope). “Lower” is the natural, single-word English verb that best captures letting down, loosening, or slackening in typical contexts and will render consistently across forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of χάσμα; to lower (as into a void):--let down, strike.
Root Family
χαλ- (chálaza) — to loosen, to descend, hail
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5465-01 |
χαλάσαντες | chalasantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having lowered | having lowered | having lowered | 2 |
G5465-02 |
χαλασάντων | chalasanton | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
having let down | of those having lowered | of those having lowered | 1 |
G5465-03 |
χαλάσατε | chalasate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
let down | Lower down! | Lower down | 1 |
G5465-04 |
χαλάσω | chalaso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will let down | I will lower | I will let down | 1 |
G5465-05 |
χαλῶσι | chalosi | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they let down | they are lowering | they are lowering | 1 |
G5465-06 |
ἐχαλάσθην | echalasthen | V AOR PASS IND 1P SG |
I was let down | I was let down | I was let down | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5465-05 |
Mark 2:4 | χαλῶσι | chalosi | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
they let down | they are lowering | they are lowering |
G5465-03 |
Luke 5:4 | χαλάσατε | chalasate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
let down | Lower down! | Lower down |
G5465-04 |
Luke 5:5 | χαλάσω | chalaso | V FUT ACT IND 1P SG |
I will let down | I will lower | I will let down |
G5465-01 |
Acts 9:25 | χαλάσαντες | chalasantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
lowering | having lowered | having lowered |
G5465-01 |
Acts 27:17 | χαλάσαντες | chalasantes | V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
having lowered | having lowered | having lowered |
G5465-02 |
Acts 27:30 | χαλασάντων | chalasanton | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M PL |
having let down | of those having lowered | of those having lowered |
G5465-06 |
2 Corinthians 11:33 | ἐχαλάσθην | echalasthen | V AOR PASS IND 1P SG |
I was let down | I was let down | I was let down |