Brief Overview of πρόσπεινος (Strong’s G4361: prospeinos)

Strong’s G4361: A compound adjective combining πρός (toward) with πεῖνα (hunger), meaning very hungry or intensely hungry. Used to describe an acute state of hunger, particularly in contexts where physical hunger parallels spiritual readiness for divine revelation.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πρόσπεινος captures the state of being intensely hungry, combining the intensifying prefix πρός with the root meaning of hunger (πεῖνα). In its New Testament context, particularly in Acts 10:10, it appears at a crucial moment when Peter’s physical hunger coincides with God’s preparation to reveal a profound spiritual truth about the inclusion of Gentiles. The early church understood this word as illustrating how physical states can parallel spiritual openness and readiness for divine revelation. Today, it reminds us that God often uses our physical experiences as channels for spiritual understanding.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρόσπεινος, prospeinos, /PROS-pei-nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + pei (as in ‘pay’) + nos (as in ‘nose’)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “toward, very”
• πεῖνα (peina) – root noun meaning “hunger”
  The combination creates an intensified expression of hunger.

D – Defining Meanings

• Very hungry
• Intensely hungry
• In a state of acute hunger

For compound words:
The prefix πρός intensifies the base meaning of πεῖνα, emphasizing the acute nature of the hunger being experienced.

Translation Options:

1. “Very hungry” – Best captures the intensified state
2. “Ravenous” – Emphasizes the acute nature of the hunger
3. “Famished” – Conveys both intensity and immediacy

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πεινάω (peinaō, /pei-NA-ō/) – To hunger, be hungry
  See G3983
• λιμός (limos, /li-MOS/) – Famine, hunger
  See G3042
• ἄσιτος (asitos, /A-si-tos/) – Without food, fasting
  See G777

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, πρόσπεινος exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second

Example forms:

• Masculine nominative singular: πρόσπεινος
• Feminine nominative singular: πρόσπεινος
• Neuter nominative singular: πρόσπεινον

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσπεινάω (prospeinaō) – verb form meaning “to be very hungry”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its intensified meaning of hunger. Thayer’s notes its rare occurrence and specific usage in Acts. LSJ provides examples of its use in medical texts. Vine’s highlights its compound nature and intensified meaning. Strong’s emphasizes the heightened state of hunger it describes. Moulton and Milligan note its occasional use in papyri describing physical conditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And he became [πρόσπεινος] very hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance.” Acts 10:10

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πρόσπεινος powerfully illustrates how God can use our physical states to prepare us for spiritual revelation. Just as Peter’s intense hunger preceded a vision that would transform the early church’s understanding of Gentile inclusion, our physical experiences can open us to deeper spiritual truths. This reminds us that the good news of King Jesus reaches us in our full humanity – body and spirit.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient medical texts to describe intense hunger following illness.
2. It appears at a pivotal moment in Acts when God breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles.
3. Early Christian writers used it metaphorically to describe spiritual hunger for God’s truth.

Strong’s G4361: A compound adjective combining πρός (toward) with πεῖνα (hunger), meaning very hungry or intensely hungry. Used to describe an acute state of hunger, particularly in contexts where physical hunger parallels spiritual readiness for divine revelation.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: hunger, physical needs, spiritual preparation, revelation, divine timing, physical state, intensity, appetite, desire, readiness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​