χώρα

region, land, fields

Definition

In the New Testament, χώρα (chōra) primarily means a 'region' or 'territory,' often referring to a specific geographical area, such as the 'region of Galilee' (Luke 3:1). It can denote the open 'countryside' or 'fields' in contrast to a city or town, as seen with the shepherds living in the fields (Luke 2:8). The word also distinguishes the 'land' from the sea, as in the story of the Gerasene demoniac where Jesus arrives 'in the region of the Gerasenes' across the sea (Mark 5:1). In the plural, it specifically means 'fields' or 'lands' used for agriculture or pasture.

Biblical Usage

χώρα appears 27 times across the Gospels and Acts, most frequently in Luke and Matthew. It is used to designate political regions under rulers (Luke 3:1), to describe the rural areas where Jesus' ministry reached, including the 'region of the Gadarenes' (Matthew 8:28), and to contrast the countryside with Jerusalem, as when people from the 'country of Judea' went out to John the Baptist (Mark 1:5). The plural form, meaning 'fields,' is less common but appears in contexts like the parable of the field in Matthew 13:38.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root χώρᾱ (chōrā), meaning 'space' or 'place,' it is related to the verb χωρέω (chōreō, 'to make room, contain,' G5562). The term fundamentally conveys the idea of an occupied or defined area, evolving to specify a country, district, or open land as opposed to an urban center.

Semantic Range

χώρα highlights the geographical scope of God's revelation and ministry. Jesus' travels into various 'regions' underscore the extension of the gospel beyond Jerusalem to all lands, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 9:1-2 quoted in Matthew 4:16 about 'Galilee of the Gentiles.' Understanding this term enriches the narrative of salvation history, emphasizing that God's work encompasses both urban and rural settings, inviting all people from every 'country' into His kingdom.

In the Greco-Roman world, χώρα often referred to the rural hinterland surrounding a city-state (polis), which was economically vital for agriculture. This distinction between city and country was sharper than in modern times, with the 'chōra' representing the less populated, agricultural areas. In Jewish context, it could denote the lands of Israel or specific tribal territories, carrying connotations of the Promised Land.

γῆ (gē, G1093) — broader term for 'earth,' 'land,' or 'soil,' often with theological weight (e.g., 'Promised Land'). ἀγρός (agros, G68) — specifically a 'field' or 'farm' for cultivation. ἔρημος (erēmos, G2048) — 'wilderness' or 'desert,' a uninhabited or desolate region. κόσμος (kosmos, G2889) — 'world' or 'universe,' a much broader, ordered system.

Word Details

Scripture References