The Greek word gastḗr, represented by G1064, primarily refers to the belly or womb. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses. While its most frequent use is in the context of pregnancy, as in "with child," it is also used figuratively to denote a gourmand or a lazy, gluttonous person.
In the biblical narrative, G1064 is central to the accounts of the incarnation. The angel Gabriel tells Mary she will conceive in her womb Luke 1:31, and she is later "found with child of the Holy Ghost" Matthew 1:18. This fulfills the prophecy that a virgin would be "with child" and bring forth Emmanuel Matthew 1:23. The term is also used prophetically to describe the conditions of the end times, with Jesus issuing a "woe unto them that are with child" during the great tribulation, signifying a time of extreme distress (Matthew 24:19, Mark 13:17, Luke 21:23). In a unique figurative sense, it is used to describe the character of the Cretans as "slow bellies," a criticism of their gluttony and idleness Titus 1:12.
Several related words provide deeper context for the meanings of G1064:
- G5088 tíktō (to produce (from seed, as a mother...)): This verb is often paired with gastḗr to describe the act of giving birth. For example, it is prophesied that the virgin with child will bring forth a son Matthew 1:23.
- G4815 syllambánō (to conceive (literally or figuratively)): This word describes the beginning of pregnancy, the action that leads to being with child. The angel tells Mary she will conceive in her womb Luke 1:31.
- G5605 ōdínō (to experience the pains of parturition): This word describes the labor pains associated with childbirth, as seen with the symbolic woman in Revelation who, being with child, was travailing in birth Revelation 12:2.
- G692 argós (inactive, i.e. unemployed; (by implication) lazy, useless): This adjective modifies "bellies" (gastḗr) in the description of the Cretians, emphasizing their idleness by calling them "slow bellies" Titus 1:12.
The theological importance of G1064 is evident in its various applications.
- The Incarnation: The use of gastḗr is fundamental to the doctrine of the virgin birth. Mary's pregnancy is not natural but is "of the Holy Ghost," making her womb the vessel for God becoming man Matthew 1:18.
- Metaphor for Judgment: The experience of a "woman with child" serves as a powerful illustration of sudden and inescapable judgment. Destruction will come upon the unsuspecting "as travail upon a woman with child," from which there is no escape 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
- Warning of Tribulation: Jesus's warnings to those "with child" in the last days underscore the profound hardship and vulnerability that will characterize that period Luke 21:23.
- Symbol of Moral Corruption: The figurative use of "slow bellies" connects physical appetite to moral and spiritual laziness, serving as a warning against a life controlled by fleshly desires Titus 1:12.
In summary, G1064 is a term with significant literal and figurative weight. It moves from the biological reality of the womb to the miraculous state of being "with child" in the story of the Messiah's birth. Prophetically, it illustrates the suddenness of divine judgment and the severe distress of the end times. Figuratively, it serves as a potent descriptor for moral character, demonstrating how a single word can convey profound truths about both divine action and human nature.
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