God bless you in the exalted name of Jesus Christ, by whom God may be glorified in all things (I Peter 4:11).
Chorēgeō is a Greek word used in the New Testament with a rich historical background that illustrates how abundantly God supplies our every need. In both New Testament uses, chorēgeō refers to God lavishly supplying all believers need, in every category of life, thus making each believer’s life a grand event of epic proportions.
II Corinthians 9:10-11:
Now he [God] that ministereth [epichorēgeō] seed to the sower both minister [chorēgeō] bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
God has plentifully furnished His children with all they need that they may enjoy the greatest possible bounty.
I Peter 4:11:
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth [chorēgeō]: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Chorēgeō originally expressed the act of one who undertook to defray the expenses for funding and directing of the chorus of a Greek theatre. These epic, ancient choruses were grand events. Bearing all the expenses necessary to stage such a grand event at public festivals was a costly business. As this was an act of somewhat stately generosity, the verb got a wider range, and was applied to any such act, and was so transferred in like manner by the Paul, probably, as far as we can trace, for the first time, to the divine bounty. The noun form, epichorēgia, is used in Ephesians 4:16 and Philippians 1:19 of the apt, lavish resources, making an event a grand production.
The strength or ability we have has been lavishly supplied by God. When we acknowledge it and serve according to it, God will be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. Once God has lavishly equipped the believer, the believers enjoying and using His provision can also extravagantly supply needs of others.
Ephesians 4:16:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth [epichorēgia], according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Philippians 1:19:
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply [epichorēgia] of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
Epichorēgeō is an intensive form of chorēgeō. The King James version renders the Greek word epichorēgeō as minister in four of its occurrences. The fifth is translated, “add.” The use of “minister” is unfortunate because it’s meaning has changed over time. One of the archaic usages of “minister” is “to furnish or supply.” I say unfortunate because it conceals the wonderful background and history of the Greek word.
The first use of epichorēgeō is in II Corinthians 9:10 above. The four other uses are in Galatians 3:5; Colossians 2:19; and II Peter 1:5, 11. More modern translations abandon the archaic usage of minister and follow more closely to the Greek text. II Corinthians 9:10 reads “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing”; Galatians 3:5 reads “He who supplies the Spirit”; Colossians 2:19 reads “the entire body, being supplied”; II Peter 1:5 reads “supply moral excellence.” Now as we read “supply” we must remember the lavish nature of the supply that accomplishes a grand objective.
Galatians 3:5:
He therefore that ministereth [epichorēgeō] to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
From our study we saw that epichorēgeō suggests a lavish and abundant supply. So Galatians 3:5 could be translated: “…He Who lavishes the Spirit on you…,” or “…the One Who is constantly supplying the Spirit to you in bountiful measure…” Paul is not writing to these people of one single isolated incident, but rather of a repeated consistent flow of provision in their lives. He is referring to an extravagant continuous overflow of answered prayers, miracles, healings and deliverances. Let’s not question God’s nature or provision, but rather enjoy the generous, bountiful, effusive supply of blessing from His generous nature.
God is the patron, the sponsor, the director — the chorēgeō — the One Who has underwritten, produced and directed our life with Him. We have been outfitted for our festive public performance. Let’s show genuine appreciation for our chorēgeō and the price he paid to lavishly equip us. Let’s allow our lives to be the grand, spectacular production God has intended and provided.