χρώς
chrṓs
G5559 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Surface of the body, skin; refers primarily to the visible or outer layer of the human body, the skin, with occasional broader reference to the physical body, particularly as perceived visually or by touch.
Semantic Range
skin, surface of the body, complexion, body (as opposed to the inner self), external appearance, flesh (archaic or poetic sense)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root χρω-; likely related to χράομαι (to use, handle), possibly by way of meaning 'that which is touched' or 'contacted'. The origin is not fully certain, but the sense of surface exposure is central.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek (from Homer onward), χρώς almost always denotes 'skin' or the 'outer surface of the body,' rarely indicating the body as a whole except by metonymy. It is less common in later Koine but persists. In medical and poetic literature, it designates the skin, especially where it is visible, bare, or harmed. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the term maintains its specific reference; the more general term for 'body' is σῶμα. χρώς does not carry the broader meanings of 'flesh' (σάρξ) or 'living being.' In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is rare, used only in contexts where exposed skin is referenced directly. Standard English translations that render χρώς as 'body' risk obscuring its precise meaning; 'skin' or 'surface (of the body)' is more accurate in most cases.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably akin to the base of χράομαι through the idea of handling; the body (properly, its surface or skin):--body.
Root Family
χρω- (chrṓs) — skin, surface, outer layer (of the body)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5559-01 |
χρωτὸς | chrotos | N GEN M SG |
body | of the skin | skin | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5559-01 |
Acts 19:12 | χρωτὸς | chrotos | N GEN M SG |
body | of the skin | skin |