ΧΩΡΑ
The term chora (χώρα), deeply embedded in Greek thought, describes not only a geographical region but also the very concept of space, place, and the substratum of existence. From classical geography and politics to Plato's philosophy as the 'receptacle' (Timaeus) and its theological use in the Septuagint and New Testament, chora represents a fundamental field of meaning. Its lexarithmos (1501) suggests a connection to the completeness and organization of the cosmos.
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According to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon, chora (ἡ) primarily refers to 'land, country, place, region.' Its meaning extends from the simple geographical demarcation of an area or nation (e.g., 'the land of the Greeks') to more abstract concepts of space and locality. In classical literature, it is widely used to denote the rural area in contrast to the city (e.g., 'ἐν τῇ χώρᾳ' versus 'ἐν τῇ πόλει'), highlighting the distinctiveness and function of each locale.
Beyond its geographical and political usage, chora acquires profound philosophical significance, particularly in Plato. In the 'Timaeus,' chora is described as the 'receptacle' (ὑποδοχή) or 'matrix' (ἐκμαγεῖον) of all phenomena, a third kind of being beyond the intelligible and the sensible. It is neither matter nor form, but the space or substratum in which changes and creations take place. This Platonic concept of chora as a 'third genus' has deeply influenced subsequent philosophy and theology, offering a framework for understanding the relationship between the eternal and the transient.
In biblical literature, both in the Septuagint translation and the New Testament, chora is often used to translate the Hebrew word 'eretz' (land) or to denote specific regions, provinces, or rural areas. While 'gē' (γῆ) often refers to the planet or dry land, 'chora' emphasizes more the concept of an inhabited or delimited area, the place where events and human activities unfold. Its theological significance lies in highlighting the specific locale as the setting for divine economy and human history.
Etymology
Cognate words include the verb chōreō (to contain, hold, make room), the noun chōrion (place, region, estate), the adjective chōrikos (belonging to a country, rural), and the adverb chōris (separately, apart from). All these words retain the core meaning of space, capacity, and demarcation.
Main Meanings
- Land, soil, territory — The most basic meaning, referring to an expanse of land, either as a natural landscape or a political entity (e.g., 'the land of the Persians').
- Place, region, district — A specific location or distinct geographical unit, often with reference to inhabitants or activities (e.g., 'the region of Judea').
- Rural area, countryside — In contrast to the city (polis), it denotes the countryside, cultivated lands, or non-urban areas.
- Space, interval — The abstract concept of space as a void or field in which things can exist or occur.
- Platonic 'Receptacle' — In Platonic philosophy (Timaeus), the third kind of being, the substratum or 'matrix' upon which Forms are imprinted and sensibles are created.
- Position, opportunity, room — Metaphorical use implying available space or possibility (e.g., 'didō chōran' — to give place, allow).
- Contents, capacity — The ability to contain something, the size of the space that can be occupied.
Philosophical Journey
The concept of chora has evolved significantly, from simple geographical description to more complex philosophical and theological dimensions:
In Ancient Texts
Three significant passages that highlight the different facets of chora:
Lexarithmic Analysis
The lexarithmos of the word ΧΩΡΑ is 1501, from the sum of its letter values:
1501 decomposes into 1500 (hundreds) + 1 (units).
The 18 Methods
Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΧΩΡΑ:
| Method | Result | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Isopsephy | 1501 | Base lexarithmos |
| Decade Numerology | 7 | 1+5+0+1 = 7 — The number 7, symbolizing completeness, perfection, and fulfillment, suggests chora as the integrated space of existence and creation. |
| Letter Count | 4 | 5 letters — The pentad, often associated with humanity and the senses, may signify chora as the field of human experience and action. |
| Cumulative | 1/0/1500 | Units 1 · Tens 0 · Hundreds 1500 |
| Odd/Even | Odd | Masculine force |
| Left/Right Hand | Right | Divine (≥100) |
| Quotient | — | Comparative method |
| Notarikon | Χ-Ω-Ρ-Α | Chōros Ōraios Rhoēs Archē: A beautiful space, the beginning of flow (of existence and movement). |
| Grammatical Groups | 2V · 3C · 0S | 2 vowels (Ω, Α), 3 consonants (Χ, Ρ). This ratio suggests a harmonious balance between openness (vowels) and structure (consonants) that characterizes the concept of space. |
| Palindromes | No | |
| Onomancy | — | Comparative |
| Sphere of Democritus | — | Divination with lunar day |
| Zodiacal Isopsephy | Sun ☉ / Taurus ♉ | 1501 mod 7 = 3 · 1501 mod 12 = 1 |
Isopsephic Words (1501)
Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1501) that further illuminate aspects of chora:
The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 71 words with lexarithmos 1501. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.
Sources & Bibliography
- Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1940.
- Plato — Timaeus. Translated by D. Zeyl. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, 2000.
- Brent, A. — The Imperial Cult and the Development of Church Order: Concepts and Images from Antiquity. Leiden: Brill, 1999.
- Guthrie, W. K. C. — A History of Greek Philosophy, Vol. 5: The Later Plato and the Academy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1978.
- Septuagint — Rahlfs-Hanhart Edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006.
- Nestle-Aland — Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th Edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2012.
- Derrida, J. — Khôra. Translated by I. McCloud. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1993.