χωρίον

a place, piece of land, field

Definition

χωρίον (chōrion) primarily means a piece of land, a field, or a defined place. In the Gospels, it often refers to a specific, named plot of land, such as the 'piece of land' (χωρίον) that Jacob gave to his son Joseph near Shechem (John 4:5) or the 'place' (χωρίον) called Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36, Mark 14:32). In Acts, its meaning expands to denote a purchased property or estate, as seen with the field bought by Judas (Acts 1:18-19) and the lands sold by the early believers (Acts 4:34, 5:3, 5:8).

Biblical Usage

This word is used nine times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, John) and prominently in Acts. In the Gospels, it consistently identifies a specific, often named, location. In Acts, its usage shifts to economic and communal contexts, referring to sellable properties within the early church. For example, in Acts 4:34 and 5:3, it denotes lands sold to support the community, highlighting its role in narratives about possessions and generosity.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word χώρα (chōra), meaning 'country,' 'land,' or 'region,' χωρίον is a diminutive form. It essentially means a 'little piece of land' or a specific, bounded area within a larger territory. This root connection emphasizes a defined, often owned, portion of ground.

Semantic Range

While χωρίον itself is a common noun for land, its usage in Acts connects it to significant theological themes of stewardship, community, and judgment. The story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) revolves around the sale of a χωρίον and their deceit regarding the proceeds, making the word central to a narrative about honesty before God and the use of possessions within the body of believers. Understanding it as a 'property' or 'estate' enriches the reading of these passages about early Christian economics and integrity.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, land ownership was a primary source of wealth, identity, and social standing. A χωρίον was not just an abstract plot but a tangible asset crucial for livelihood through agriculture or as inheritance. Selling a field, as described in Acts, often represented a major, life-altering financial decision. This contrasts with a modern view of land as one investment among many, underscoring the weight of the sacrifices made by the early church.

ἀγρός (agros, G68) — a cultivated field or farm, often emphasizing agricultural use. τόπος (topos, G5117) — a general word for place, location, or spot, less specific to owned land. κτῆμα (ktēma, G2933) — a possession or property, a broader term that can include land but also other forms of wealth.

Word Details

Scripture References