Brief Overview of στόμαχος (Strong’s G4751: stomachos)

Strong’s G4751: The stomach or digestive organ. From στόμα (mouth). Used in medical contexts in ancient literature and appears once in the New Testament in Paul’s advice to Timothy about using wine medicinally for stomach ailments, showing practical care for physical wellbeing.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στόμαχος refers specifically to the digestive organ and appears in a context that reveals the early church’s balanced view of physical and spiritual health. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul’s advice demonstrates pastoral concern for physical wellbeing alongside spiritual growth. The early church fathers saw this usage as evidence that Christianity embraces both spiritual and physical care, rejecting extreme asceticism while maintaining moderation. Today, this word reminds us that God cares about our physical health and that spiritual leadership includes practical wisdom for daily living.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στόμαχος, stomachos, /stom’-akh-os/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STOM-ah-khos (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: στόμα (stoma) – “mouth”
• -χος (-chos) – nominal suffix indicating relationship or connection
  The combination suggests the organ connected to or following the mouth in the digestive system.

D – Defining Meanings

• The stomach as a physical organ
• The digestive system
• The gullet or esophagus (in some ancient usage)

For compound words: Not applicable as στόμαχος is treated as a simple noun despite its etymological components.

Translation Options:

1. “Stomach” – Most precise anatomical term
2. “Digestive system” – Broader anatomical reference
3. “Gut” – More colloquial equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. κοιλία (koilia) /koy-lee’-ah/ – belly, womb, inner person. See G2836
2. σπλάγχνα (splanchna) /splangkh’-nah/ – bowels, intestines, seat of emotions. See G4698
3. γαστήρ (gastēr) /gas-tare’/ – belly, womb. See G1064

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, στόμαχος exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Genitive/Dative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Singular: στόμαχος (nominative), στομάχου (genitive), στομάχῳ (dative), στόμαχον (accusative)
• Plural: στόμαχοι (nominative), στομάχων (genitive), στομάχοις (dative), στομάχους (accusative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes its specific medical usage in the NT. Thayer’s emphasizes its anatomical precision. LSJ documents its use in medical literature. Vine’s connects it to dietary concerns. Strong’s relates it to στόμα. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in medical papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your [στόμαχος] stomach and your frequent ailments.” 1 Timothy 5:23

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στόμαχος appears in a context that beautifully illustrates God’s care for our whole being. Paul’s practical medical advice to Timothy shows that following the Messiah includes caring for both body and spirit. This reminds us that the Gospel brings wholeness to every aspect of our lives, and that God’s love extends to our physical wellbeing.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “stomach” derives directly from στόμαχος.
2. Ancient Greek medical writers used στόμαχος in detailed anatomical descriptions.
3. Early church writings used this passage to advocate for balanced medical care alongside spiritual practices.

Strong’s G4751: The stomach or digestive organ. From στόμα (mouth). Used in medical contexts in ancient literature and appears once in the New Testament in Paul’s advice to Timothy about using wine medicinally for stomach ailments, showing practical care for physical wellbeing.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: anatomy, health, medical-care, physical-wellbeing, pastoral-care, moderation, holistic-ministry, body-care, timothy, greek-noun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​