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Abarim Publications' Biblical Dictionary: The New Testament Greek word: χορος

Source: https://www.abarim-publications.com/DictionaryG/ch/ch-o-r-o-sfin.html

χορος

Abarim Publications' online Biblical Greek Dictionary

χορος

The noun χορος (choros) appears to originally have described an enclosure (see the adverb χωρις, choris, meaning separately), and particularly one to provide merrymakers with a dance floor (see the closely related verb χαιρω, chairo, to rejoice). It thus attained the meaning of place of dance, then dance itself, and since collective singing appears to have evolved from collective dancing, finally it came to denote a choir or chorus (hence these English word).

In the New Testament, this noun appears only in Luke 15:25, where the good son hears the sound of music and dancing come from the house upon the return of the prodigal.

Our noun also appears in the following compounds:

  • Our noun together with the verb ηγεομαι (hegeomai), meaning to lead, forms the unused noun χορεγος (choregos), meaning the leader of a chorus, not in an artistic sense but rather as the one who instigates and pays for a shindig; the host of the party and footer of the bill. From this noun derives:
  • The verb χορηγεω (choregeo), meaning to do what a χορεγος (choregos) does: to accommodate, supply or furnish generously (2 Corinthians 9:10 and 1 Peter 4:11 only). From this verb in turn derives:
  • Together with the preposition επι (epi), meaning on or upon: the verb επιχορηγεω (epichoregeo), meaning to furnish upon, to supply further or over-abundantly. This verb is used 5 times, see full concordance, and from it derives:
  • The noun επιχορηγια (epichoregia), meaning a generous and over-abundant supply, gift or aid (Ephesians 4:16 and Philippians 1:19 only).

Associated Biblical names