What does the Bible say about “X” (Chi)?
When most people today see the letter X in relation to Christianity, they often assume it is a modern attempt to remove Christ from Christmas or other Christian expressions. However, the Bible itself—though it does not directly mention “X” or Chi—has deep connections to this symbol through the language in which much of the New Testament was written: Greek.
The Greek letter Chi (Χ) is the twenty-second letter of the Greek alphabet and the first letter of the Greek word “Χριστός” (Christos), which means “Christ.” For centuries, Christians have used X as an abbreviation for Christ, not as a means of erasing His name, but as a way to represent Him with a visual shorthand rooted in the language of the New Testament.
Understanding this connection is important for biblical literacy, historical awareness, and even defending the faith from misconceptions.
1. What Is the Origin of “X” (Chi) in Christian Usage?
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Greek language, used for the New Testament, contains the letter Chi (Χ), which is pronounced like the “ch” in Christos. Because Chi is the first letter of “Χριστός” (Christ), it became a natural shorthand for referring to Jesus Christ.
Historical Christian writings, inscriptions, and manuscripts frequently used Chi in this way. The abbreviation was practical for hand-copying Scripture and Christian literature, where space and resources were limited. Far from being disrespectful, this was an efficient and reverent way to refer to the Lord.
2. How Does “Xmas” Relate to the Bible’s Language?
One of the most common places people encounter X in this sense is in the word Xmas, which dates back to at least the mid-1500s in English usage. In this case, “X” represents Christ (from Chi), and “mas” refers to the Mass or worship service celebrating His birth.
From a biblical perspective, there is nothing inherently unholy about this abbreviation. If anything, it reflects the continuity of the Greek New Testament’s influence on Christian language and culture. The misunderstanding arises when modern audiences, unfamiliar with Greek, see the “X” and assume Christ’s name has been replaced or removed.
In reality, Xmas is a historic, Bible-informed abbreviation—not a secular erasure.
3. What Is the Chi-Rho Symbol and Its Biblical Significance?
Another important use of Chi in Christian history is the Chi-Rho symbol (☧), formed by superimposing the Greek letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ)—the first two letters of Christos. This emblem became one of the earliest symbols of Christianity, signifying Jesus Christ as Lord and King.
While the Bible does not depict the Chi-Rho symbol directly, it resonates deeply with Scripture’s portrayal of Christ’s supremacy. For example:
Colossians 1:15–20 describes Christ as the image of the invisible God and the head of the church.
Philippians 2:9–11 declares that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
The Chi-Rho visually encapsulates these truths in a concise and memorable way.
4. How Should Christians Understand the “X” in Light of the Gospel?
When seen through the lens of the Gospel, X (Chi) is not a subtraction but a proclamation. It represents the Christ who is the center of the Bible’s story—the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, revealed in the New, crucified for our sins, risen in glory, and reigning until His return.
The use of Chi in Christian history reminds us that the Gospel is both timeless and adaptable. God’s truth can be expressed in different languages and cultural forms without losing its essence. Just as Paul became “all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:22), early Christians adapted their writing to communicate the message efficiently and faithfully.
5. Does the Bible Warn Against Misusing Symbols Like “X”?
While the Bible does not address Chi directly, it does caution believers about careless or irreverent treatment of God’s name (Exodus 20:7). Any abbreviation, symbol, or shorthand for Christ should be used with reverence, remembering that it points to the Lord of glory.
Symbols have power because of the meaning we attach to them. If X is used with understanding, it honors Christ. If it is used to obscure or mock Him, it distorts the truth. Believers must discern both their own intentions and the likely perceptions of others when using such symbols.
6. How Does “X” (Chi) Connect to Biblical Prophecy and the End?
Though X itself is not a prophetic sign, the Bible presents Christ as the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end (Revelation 22:13). Chi, as the first letter in “Christos,” is a visual reminder of His identity as the one who will bring history to its fulfillment.
When the church gathers to worship Christ now, we anticipate the day when every symbol, name, and language will declare His lordship openly. The use of Chi throughout Christian history is a small but significant part of the church’s testimony across the ages.
7. How Can Christians Use “X” Today Without Confusion?
Believers who wish to use X or Chi should do so with clarity. In personal writing, church communication, or public media, it is wise to explain the meaning to avoid misunderstanding. For example, if writing Xmas, a note or teaching moment could help others see the connection to the Bible’s Greek text.
In an era when biblical literacy is declining, even small details like this become opportunities for discipleship. Explaining Chi to a curious friend could open a conversation about who Christ is and why His name matters.
8. How Does This Relate to Worship and Christian Life?
Ultimately, whether we write “Christ” in full or use Chi as shorthand, the goal remains the same: to honor the one true Lord. Worship in the Bible is about the heart’s posture toward God, not merely the form of our expressions.
Chi serves as a historical and linguistic reminder that the Gospel has been proclaimed across centuries and cultures. Our task is to ensure that every symbol we use leads people to the living Christ, not away from Him.
9. What Can the Church Learn from the History of Chi?
The history of X (Chi) teaches the church to value both fidelity to Scripture and creativity in communication. Early believers did not fear using symbols; they feared misrepresenting Christ. The same balance applies today: we can embrace historic Christian symbols while guarding against cultural distortions.
Chi also challenges us to remember that the Bible’s message is bigger than any single cultural expression. Whether in Greek manuscripts, Latin hymns, or modern translations, the central truth remains—Jesus is Lord.
10. Why Does This Matter for the Bible’s Big Story?
In the Bible’s grand narrative, every name and title of Christ carries eternal weight. Chi is a letter, but it points to the one who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Its history is a testimony to the church’s effort to preserve and proclaim the name above every name.
For Christians today, understanding Chi is not about reviving an obscure symbol—it is about recognizing how the faith has been passed down through the ages and joining in that ongoing proclamation.
Bible Verses About “X” (Chi) and the Name of Christ
Matthew 1:21 – “…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
Philippians 2:9–11 – “…at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…”
Colossians 1:15–16 – “He is the image of the invisible God…”
Acts 4:12 – “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Revelation 19:16 – “…King of kings and Lord of lords.”
1 Corinthians 1:23 – “…we preach Christ crucified…”
Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Revelation 22:13 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last…”
