χρῆσις
chrēsis
G5540 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Fundamental act of using or employing something; generally, the act of using something for its intended purpose, but in some contexts, specifically refers to the act of sexual intercourse (usage of the body). In broader Greek literature, denotes use, practice, or application of things or customs, and in more restricted contexts, the physical relations between individuals.
Semantic Range
act of using, employment, application, practice, sexual intercourse or relations, exercise of a right or custom
Root / Etymology
From the verb χράομαι (to use, make use of, experience), itself related to the root χρᾰ-.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, χρῆσις broadly denotes the act of using, employing, or having recourse to something—objects, customs, rights, or practices. It can refer to legal rights of use, practical application, or habitual practice. In the Koine period and the New Testament, the term sometimes acquires a specific sense of sexual relations, especially in contexts governing bodily conduct (e.g., Romans 1:26-27, where it refers to sexual use or relations between individuals). The English translation 'use' can be too broad or too narrow: while χρῆσις can carry the general sense of 'usage,' it may specifically denote sexual intercourse depending on the context. This specialized usage does not negate the broad semantic field attested in earlier and contemporary Greek literature. Contrast with χρῆμα ('thing used'), χρῆσις refers directly to the action or process rather than the object. The sexual sense is usually clear from the context and is not intrinsic but contextual. Not attested with a strictly religious or cultic technical meaning in the primary sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from χράομαι; employment, i.e. (specially), sexual intercourse (as an occupation of the body):--use.
Root Family
χρῆ- (chrēsis) — to use, to employ, to make use of
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5540-01 |
χρῆσιν | chresin | N ACC F SG |
use | use | use | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5540-01 |
Romans 1:26 | χρῆσιν | chresin | N ACC F SG |
use | use | use |
G5540-01 |
Romans 1:27 | χρῆσιν | chresin | N ACC F SG |
use | use | use |