Divine Satisfaction: χορτάζω (Strong’s G5526: chortazó) Fills Every Spiritual Hunger

Strong’s G5526: From χόρτος (grass, fodder); originally meant “to feed with grass or hay” but evolved to mean “to fill, satisfy completely” especially regarding hunger or spiritual needs. In NT usage, particularly significant in contexts of divine provision and spiritual fulfillment.

U- Unveiling the Word

χορτάζω embodies a profound transformation from its agricultural roots to spiritual significance. Originally denoting the feeding of animals with fodder, it evolved to represent complete satisfaction of human hunger, both physical and spiritual. In the New Testament, it carries special weight in describing God’s provision, particularly in the feeding miracles of Jesus. The word implies not just partial filling but complete satisfaction to the point of being unable to take more. Early church fathers often used this term to describe the spiritual fulfillment found in the Messiah, drawing parallels between physical nourishment and spiritual sustenance. Today, it reminds us that true satisfaction comes only through divine provision.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χορτάζω, chortazó, [khor-tad’-zo]
• Pronunciation: ‘kh’ as in Scottish ‘loch’, ‘or’ as in ‘or’, ‘ta’ as in ‘father’, ‘zo’ as in ‘zone’
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χόρτος (chortos) – grass, hay, fodder
• -άζω (-azó) – verbal suffix indicating causative action

D – Defining Meanings

• To feed, fill, satisfy completely
• To fatten with grass (original meaning)
• To be filled to satisfaction

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from χόρτος with the -άζω suffix indicating causative action

Translation Options:

• “to satisfy completely” – best captures both physical and spiritual aspects
• “to fill to the full” – emphasizes completeness of satisfaction
• “to feed until satisfied” – maintains connection to original feeding context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐμπίπλημι (empíplémi) [em-pip’-lay-mee] – to fill up, satisfy but less emphatic – See G1705
• πληρόω (pléroó) [play-ro’-o] – to fill, fulfill, but more general – See G4137
• μεστόω (mestoó) [mes-to’-o] – to fill, but without satisfaction emphasis – See G3325

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present), Perfective (aorist)

Example morphological changes:

• χορτάζω (I satisfy)
• χορτάσω (I will satisfy)
• ἐχόρτασα (I satisfied)
• χορτάζομαι (I am being satisfied)

Related forms:

• χορτασμός (noun) – satisfaction
• χορταστικός (adjective) – satisfying

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

According to BDAG, χορτάζω represents complete satisfaction, particularly in contexts of divine provision. Thayer’s emphasizes its evolution from feeding animals to broader application in human contexts. LSJ traces its classical usage, showing its agricultural origins. Vine’s notes its particular significance in the beatitudes and feeding miracles. Strong’s highlights the connection to χόρτος (grass). Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in everyday contexts of satisfaction and fullness. The word consistently carries the concept of complete satisfaction rather than partial fulfillment, making it particularly powerful in theological contexts where divine provision is discussed.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be [χορτάζω] satisfied.” Matthew 5:6

Additional References:
Matthew 14:20, Matthew 15:33, Mark 6:42, Mark 8:8, Luke 6:21, John 6:26, Philippians 4:12, James 2:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χορτάζω represents more than mere satisfaction; it embodies the complete fulfillment that only God can provide. Its transformation from describing animal feeding to representing spiritual satisfaction perfectly illustrates how the Messiah satisfies our deepest longings. The word appears prominently in the feeding miracles, showing Jesus’ power to provide both physical and spiritual nourishment. This complete satisfaction points to the good news that in King Jesus, we find not just partial fulfillment but complete satisfaction of our spiritual hunger.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in all four gospel accounts of the feeding miracles
• It’s one of few Greek words that maintained both literal and metaphorical meanings throughout biblical usage
• The term influenced early Christian communion liturgy, describing spiritual satisfaction in the Eucharist

Strong’s G5526: From χόρτος (grass, fodder); originally meant “to feed with grass or hay” but evolved to mean “to fill, satisfy completely” especially regarding hunger or spiritual needs. In NT usage, particularly significant in contexts of divine provision and spiritual fulfillment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: satisfaction, fullness, feeding, provision, divine-satisfaction, spiritual-hunger, complete-fulfillment, Jesus-miracles, divine-provision, spiritual-nourishment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​