χειροτονέω

I choose by vote, appoint

Definition

The verb χειροτονέω means to appoint or choose someone for a specific role or task. In its original Greek context, it literally referred to electing someone by a show of hands, a common practice in democratic assemblies. In the New Testament, this literal voting sense is not explicitly emphasized; instead, the term is used for the act of appointment, often within a Christian community context. For example, in Acts 14:23, Paul and Barnabas 'appointed' elders for the churches, indicating a formal selection process. In 2 Corinthians 8:19, the brother was 'chosen' by the churches to accompany Paul with the gift, highlighting a communal endorsement.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in contexts of appointing individuals for specific, trusted roles within the early church. In Acts 14:23, it describes the apostolic action of establishing local church leadership by appointing elders. In 2 Corinthians 8:19, it refers to the churches' collective choice of a representative to handle a financial collection. The usage pattern shows it involves a deliberate, likely communal, selection for a position of responsibility.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words χείρ (cheir, meaning 'hand') and τείνω (teinō, meaning 'to stretch' or 'extend'). It literally means 'to stretch out the hand,' as in voting by raising hands. The term was used in classical Greek for electing officials by a show of hands in public assemblies. Its meaning developed from this literal democratic act to the more general sense of appointment or selection, which is how it appears in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it relates to church governance and the recognition of leadership. It underscores that leadership roles in the early church, such as elders (Acts 14:23), were not self-assumed but involved a process of appointment, likely reflecting communal discernment and possibly apostolic authority. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the intentionality and collective responsibility in establishing church order and delegating missions, as seen with the trusted brother in 2 Corinthians 8:19.

In the Greco-Roman world, χειροτονέω was a political term from democratic city-states, where citizens would vote by raising their hands. This cultural background of public, participatory selection informs its New Testament usage. However, the biblical instances do not focus on the voting mechanism but adopt the term for the act of appointment itself, transferring the concept from the secular political sphere to the spiritual community of the church.

καθίστημι (kathistēmi, G2525) — a more general term for appointing or constituting, often used for establishing people in positions of authority. χειροτονέω implies a selection process, while καθίστημι can emphasize the act of installation or ordination.

Word Details

Scripture References