Satisfying Sustenance: χόρτασμα (Strong’s G5527: chortasma) Nourishes Life’s Journey

Strong’s G5527: From chortazō, χόρτασμα (chortasma) refers to fodder, food, or sustenance. In biblical context, it represents satisfying nourishment, particularly during times of scarcity. This noun emphasizes complete satisfaction of physical hunger, metaphorically pointing to spiritual fulfillment.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word χόρτασμα represents more than mere sustenance – it embodies the concept of complete satisfaction through nourishment. Derived from the verb chortazō (to feed or satisfy), this noun specifically denotes fodder or food that brings satisfaction. In the context of Acts 7:11, it appears during Stephen’s speech about the famine in Egypt, highlighting God’s providence through Joseph. The early church understood this term as representing both physical and spiritual sustenance, drawing parallels between God’s provision of manna in the wilderness and the Messiah as the Bread of Life. Today, it reminds us that true satisfaction comes from the Lord’s provision.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χόρτασμα, chortasma, /khor’-tas-mah/
• Detailed pronunciation: khor (like ‘chord’ without ‘d’) – tas (as in ‘task’) – mah (as in ‘ma’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• χόρτος (chortos) – grass, hay, fodder (root)
• -μα (-ma) – suffix forming concrete nouns from verb stems

D – Defining Meanings

• Food, sustenance
• Fodder for animals
• Satisfying nourishment

For compound words:
The suffix -μα transforms the verbal concept of feeding/satisfying into a concrete noun representing the means of satisfaction.

Translation Options:

• Sustenance – captures the idea of life-sustaining nourishment
• Food supply – emphasizes the provision aspect
• Fodder – technically accurate but limited to animal context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τροφή (trophē, /tro-fay/) – food, nourishment – See G5160
• βρῶμα (brōma, /bro’-mah/) – food, solid food – See G1033
• σιτίον (sition, /sit-ee’-on/) – grain, provision – See G4621

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

This neuter noun follows standard 3rd declension patterns. Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative singular: χόρτασμα
• Genitive singular: χορτάσματος
• Dative singular: χορτάσματι
• Nominative/Accusative plural: χορτάσματα

Cross-reference: χορτάζω (verb form)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into χόρτασμα’s meaning and usage. BDAG emphasizes its connection to satisfaction and fullness, while Thayer’s highlights its development from animal fodder to human sustenance. LSJ traces its classical usage in agricultural contexts. Vine’s notes its metaphorical applications to spiritual nourishment. Strong’s connects it to the concept of filling or satisfying completely. LEH provides Septuagint usage examples, and Moulton and Milligan offer papyri evidence showing its common usage in commercial contexts for food supplies and provisions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food [χόρτασμα].” Acts 7:11

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χόρτασμα represents God’s provision in times of need, appearing significantly in Stephen’s speech about Joseph’s role in preserving life during famine. This word reminds us that the Lord provides both physical and spiritual nourishment for His people. Just as Joseph became God’s instrument of sustenance for Egypt and his family, the Messiah becomes our bread of life, offering complete satisfaction to those who hunger for righteousness. This word proclaims that true fulfillment comes only through God’s provision in King Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

• χόρτασμα is the only noun form of its word family used in the New Testament
• The word’s agricultural roots reflect ancient Mediterranean society’s connection to land and sustenance
• Its usage in Acts 7:11 creates a deliberate parallel with Exodus themes of God’s provision

Strong’s G5527: From chortazō, χόρτασμα (chortasma) refers to fodder, food, or sustenance. In biblical context, it represents satisfying nourishment, particularly during times of scarcity. This noun emphasizes complete satisfaction of physical hunger, metaphorically pointing to spiritual fulfillment.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: provision, sustenance, satisfaction, food, nourishment, famine, Joseph, Stephen, divine-provision, spiritual-food, biblical-greek, greek-nouns​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​