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χρηστεύομαι

chrēsteúomai

G5541 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To act in a kindly or benevolent manner toward others; to demonstrate kindness through one’s behavior. In New Testament usage, it often refers to displaying gentle, considerate, and beneficent conduct toward others, especially as a quality of character. The core sense involves acting with genuine goodwill, generosity, or gentleness, particularly in interpersonal relations.

Semantic Range

to act kindly, to perform acts of benevolence, to deal gently, to act in a helpful or generous manner, to show active goodwill

Root / Etymology

Derived in the middle voice from χρηστός (chrēstós, 'good, kind, gracious'), itself from the root χρη- ('use, service'), indicating suitability, goodness, or kindness. χρηστεύομαι is a denominative verb formed on the model of character quality terms, signifying the act of displaying such a quality.

Historical & Contextual Notes

χρηστεύομαι is a rare and specifically Koine Greek formation, not commonly used in classical literature. It is attested in the New Testament (notably 1 Corinthians 13:4) as a verb describing the manifestation of kindness or benevolence as a virtue, especially in the context of moral or interpersonal excellence. The term emphasizes active kindness, not merely passive disposition, but concrete positive action or forbearance. In Greek ethical discourse, χρηστός indicates moral goodness or suitability; thus, χρηστεύομαι presents the verb for actively embodying this trait. English translations often render it as 'be kind' or 'show kindness', which may flatten the nuance of intentional, beneficial action. Unlike ἀγαθός ('good') or ἔλεος ('mercy'), χρηστεύομαι highlights gentle engagement toward others, often in the face of provocation or social friction. The word does not carry implications of weakness, but of active, considerate goodwill. In Koine and NT contexts, it is distinguished from other Greek moral vocabulary by its focus on positive engagement and helpfulness rather than only restraining harm.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

middle voice from χρηστός; to show oneself useful, i.e. act benevolently:--be kind.

Root Family

χρηστ- (eúchrēstos) — to use, to be useful, to serve

Root χρηστ- to be kind, to show benevolence, to act with goodness
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2173 εὔχρηστος well-suited for use
G5544 χρηστότης benevolent goodness
G890 ἄχρηστος unserviceable one

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5541-01 χρηστεύεται chresteuetai V PRS MID IND 3P SG is kind acts kindly acts kindly 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5541-01 1 Corinthians 13:4 χρηστεύεται chresteuetai V PRS MID IND 3P SG is kind acts kindly acts kindly
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