Brief Overview of μασάομαι (Strong’s G3145: masaomai)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek word μασάομαι (masaomai) is crucial for grasping its unique usage in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Revelation. This verb, which is relatively rare in biblical literature, carries significant connotations related to physical and emotional distress. It is a vivid example of how language can encapsulate profound human experiences, making it essential for both New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient Greek culture. The context in which this word is used highlights its importance in depicting intense suffering and the human response to divine judgment.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μασάομαι (masaomai) [mah-SAH-oh-my]
This word is pronounced as [mah-SAH-oh-my], with the stress on the second syllable.

Etymology: The word μασάομαι is derived from a root that means “to chew” or “to gnaw.” It can metaphorically indicate being consumed by worry, pain, or intense emotion, much like the way one might grind their teeth when in distress.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, μασάομαι describes an action often associated with suffering or frustration. It can be used both literally, in the sense of chewing or gnawing, and figuratively, to indicate being overwhelmed or tormented by inner turmoil or external pressures.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Gnaw or Chew: The primary meaning of μασάομαι in a literal sense is “to chew” or “to gnaw.” This is seen in classical Greek usage and highlights the physical act of grinding teeth.
2. To Suffer Intense Pain or Agony: In a figurative sense, μασάομαι is used to describe intense suffering or distress, often manifested through physical actions like grinding or gnashing teeth. This usage is evident in Revelation 16:10, where the people gnaw their tongues in agony due to the severity of their pain and suffering.
3. To Be Consumed by Inner Turmoil: The word can also be used to express being mentally or emotionally consumed by worry, fear, or frustration, similar to how one might “chew over” a problem in their mind.

Exploring Similar Words

1. βρυγμός (brygmos) [bree-GMOS]: This noun means “gnashing” or “grinding,” often associated with intense anger or suffering. It differs from μασάομαι in that it focuses more on the sound or action of grinding rather than the broader concept of being consumed by suffering.
2. δακρύω (dakryo) [DAH-kry-oh]: This verb means “to weep” or “to cry.” While it also expresses deep emotion, it is related more to tears and visible grief rather than the internalized, gnawing suffering conveyed by μασάομαι.
3. ὀδύνη (odynē) [oh-DEE-nay]: This noun refers to “pain” or “anguish,” whether physical or emotional. It is similar to μασάομαι in expressing intense suffering but does not carry the specific imagery of gnawing or grinding.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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As a verb, μασάομαι has the following morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist, Perfect. It is primarily found in the present tense in biblical usage, indicating ongoing or habitual action.
• Voice: Middle voice, which often indicates an action performed by the subject on themselves, reflecting the internalized nature of the suffering.
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative, Infinitive. In Revelation 16:10, the indicative mood is used, describing the actual occurrence of the action.
• Person and Number: Typically found in the third person plural, reflecting a group action or collective experience of suffering.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb μασάομαι is discussed in lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ primarily as a verb denoting the act of gnawing or chewing, with its figurative use to express deep anguish noted in biblical contexts. In the New Testament, its usage is unique to Revelation 16:10, where it describes the people’s response to severe pain and suffering, a graphic portrayal of divine judgment and human agony. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Revelation 16:10: “The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed [μασάομαι] their tongues in agony.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word μασάομαι, while relatively rare in biblical texts, offers a powerful depiction of suffering and distress. Its use in Revelation conveys the severity of divine judgment and the human response to overwhelming pain, both physically and emotionally. This word enriches our understanding of the vivid language used in prophetic and apocalyptic literature.

Did You Know?

1. The word μασάομαι is only used once in the New Testament, making its occurrence in Revelation particularly notable.
2. In classical Greek, μασάομαι is often used in theatrical contexts to describe extreme emotional states, such as anger or despair.
3. The imagery of gnawing one’s tongue or flesh, as seen in Revelation, was a common expression in ancient literature to convey unbearable pain or internal conflict.