Brief Overview of γαστήρ (G1064: Gastēr)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word γαστήρ (transliterated as Gastēr and pronounced gas-TARE) primarily means “stomach” or “belly” and is used to refer to the physical abdomen. The word can also extend to mean “womb” or the part of the body where a child is conceived and carried. Gastēr is related to the root word γάστριον (gastrion), which also refers to the stomach or belly in a more diminutive form. In biblical and classical usage, this word is commonly employed to describe both the literal physical stomach as well as the womb in a metaphorical or symbolic sense.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In the New Testament, γαστήρ is used in a few notable instances. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), γαστήρ specifically refers to the stomach or belly and, by extension, the womb. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasizes that it can mean either the stomach or the womb, depending on the context, particularly in passages relating to pregnancy or childbirth.

One prominent biblical usage is found in Luke 1:31, where the angel tells Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb (γαστήρ), and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” Here, γαστήρ is clearly used to refer to the womb, the place of conception. Another instance is in Philippians 3:19, where Paul uses γαστήρ metaphorically to describe people who are driven by their appetites: “Their god is their belly (γαστήρ).” In this context, it suggests a deeper meaning related to physical desires or cravings.

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Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, γαστήρ is frequently found in various contexts.

1. Homer’s “Odyssey”: The term γαστήρ is often used to refer to the physical stomach, particularly in the context of hunger or the need for food. For example, in Book 17, it refers to the belly as the part of the body that demands sustenance.
2. Sophocles’ “Oedipus Rex”: In this tragedy, γαστήρ is used symbolically to refer to the womb, particularly when discussing the birth and the curse that comes with it.
3. Hippocrates’ Medical Texts: The word γαστήρ appears in medical writings to describe the abdomen or the stomach area, indicating its role in discussions of health and disease.

These examples from classical literature show that γαστήρ was used both literally and metaphorically, much like its usage in the New Testament.

Summary:
The word γαστήρ (G1064), transliterated as Gastēr, is a versatile Greek term meaning “stomach” or “belly” and, by extension, “womb.” It is rooted in the word γάστριον and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament and classical Greek literature. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon emphasize its dual meaning, depending on the context—either referring to the physical belly or the womb. Classical Greek literature also showcases this word’s varied usage, particularly in relation to hunger, childbirth, and metaphorical references to appetite or desire. Understanding γαστήρ helps illuminate its rich meanings and applications across different contexts in both scripture and ancient Greek texts.