Brief Overview of πεινάω (Strong’s G3983: peinaō)
Strong’s G3983: Primary verb meaning to hunger, be hungry, or experience strong desire. Used both literally for physical hunger and metaphorically for spiritual longing. Significant in Jesus’s teachings about spiritual hunger and beatitudes. Often connected to themes of divine provision and spiritual satisfaction.
U- Unveiling the Word
Πεινάω expresses both physical hunger and deep spiritual yearning. In the NT, it appears in crucial contexts like Jesus’s temptation and the Beatitudes, connecting physical and spiritual needs. Early church writers saw it as expressing authentic spiritual desire for God. Today, it reminds us of both our physical dependence and spiritual longing for God’s satisfaction.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πεινάω, peinaō, [pay-NAH-oh]
- Detailed pronunciation: pay-NAH-oh (emphasis on NAH)
- Part of Speech: Verb
Etymology:
- From root πεῖνα (hunger)
- Related to πένης (poor)
- Possible connection to Indo-European *spei- (thin)
- Forms verb indicating state of hunger
D – Defining Meanings
- To be hungry
- To hunger for
- To crave strongly
- To experience want
For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary verb
Translation Options:
- Hunger – Physical emphasis
- Yearn – Spiritual emphasis
- Crave – Intense desire emphasis
E – Exploring Similar Words
- διψάω [dipsaō, dip-SAH-oh] – to thirst
- λιμώττω [limōttō, lee-MOHT-toh] – to famish
- χρῄζω [chrēzō, KRAY-zoh] – to need
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb features:
- Present Active: πεινάω
- Future: πεινάσω
- Aorist: ἐπείνασα
- Contract verb in -άω
Shows:
- Regular contraction patterns
- Continuous aspect possible
- State or condition emphasis
- Cross-references: πεῖνα (hunger), πεινώδης (hungry)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes spiritual applications. LSJ traces development from physical to spiritual meaning. Vine’s highlights its use in beatitudes. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in poverty contexts.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry [πεινάω].” (Matthew 4:2)
Additional References:
Matthew 5:6, Luke 6:21, John 6:35, Romans 12:20
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Homer: Odyssey | “The poor man hungers [πεινάω] for food.” |
| Xenophon: Memorabilia | “Those who hunger [πεινάω] work harder.” |
| Aristophanes: Peace | “The city hungers [πεινάω] for peace.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Πεινάω reminds us that our deepest hunger can only be satisfied in Christ. Just as physical hunger drives us to seek food, spiritual hunger should drive us to seek God. Jesus promises that those who hunger for righteousness will be filled.
D – Did You Know?
- Used in ancient medical texts for appetite loss
- Common metaphor in mystical literature
- Influenced Christian fasting practices
Strong’s G3983: Primary verb meaning to hunger, be hungry, or experience strong desire. Used both literally for physical hunger and metaphorically for spiritual longing. Significant in Jesus’s teachings about spiritual hunger and beatitudes. Often connected to themes of divine provision and spiritual satisfaction.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: #Hunger #Desire #SpiritualLonging #Beatitudes #PhysicalNeeds #DivineProvision #Satisfaction #Fasting #JesusTeachings #Righteousness
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
