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χράω

chráō

G5531 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To lend or to furnish upon request, especially in the context of granting a favor or supplying what is needed. In Koine Greek, most commonly used in the sense of making a loan, providing for another by means of resources or goods, whether material or tangible, often as an act of generosity or assistance. The term can apply informally to the act of giving what is needed, as well as more technical or legal contexts of lending.

Semantic Range

to lend, to furnish (what is needed), to provide by loan, to supply upon request, to make available, to give as a favor

Root / Etymology

From the same root as χράομαι ('to use'); ultimately derived from the root χρα-, indicating 'to employ, use, furnish.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb χράω appears infrequently in the New Testament, with its primary attested sense being the act of lending—especially to supply something temporarily with the expectation of return. In earlier classical usage, χράω is more frequently used in oracular contexts ('to proclaim as an oracle'), but this sense is distinct from the Koine and later Hellenistic usage relevant here. In later Greek, the sense of 'to lend' overlaps with that of χρῆσις ('use, benefit'), and the more common verb for borrowing/lending is δανείζω or δανείζομαι. The semantic overlap with χράομαι ('I use') reflects an underlying connection to providing or making available what is needed. English translations usually limit χράω to 'lend,' but this does not always communicate the nuance of personal furnishing or supplying resources in Greek social practice.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably the same as the base of χράομαι; to loan:--lend.

Root Family

χράω (chráō) — to furnish, to loan, to supply

Root χρα- to furnish, to loan, to supply

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5531-01 χρῆσόν chreson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG lend Lend! lend 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5531-01 Luke 11:5 χρῆσόν chreson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG lend Lend! lend
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