### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **limós**, represented by `{{G3042}}`, refers to a scarcity of food, defined as **dearth, famine, or hunger**. Its base definition points to an idea of destitution. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the New Testament, illustrating various contexts of physical lack and hardship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G3042}}` describes both widespread crises and personal suffering. It is frequently listed as a sign of the end times, appearing alongside pestilences and earthquakes ([[Matthew 24:7]], [[Luke 21:11]]). It also functions as an instrument of divine judgment, as seen in the plagues against Babylon [[Revelation 18:8]] and the power of the pale horse to kill with hunger [[Revelation 6:8]]. On a more personal level, it describes the suffering of the prodigal son who began "to be in want" during a mighty famine [[Luke 15:14]] and is listed by the Apostle Paul as one of the hardships he endured for the sake of the gospel [[2 Corinthians 11:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **limós** appears:
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (pressure (literally or figuratively):--afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble): This word is often paired with famine to describe a state of severe hardship, such as the "great affliction" that accompanied the dearth in Egypt and Chanaan [[Acts 7:11]].
* `{{G3061}}` **loimós** (a plague (literally, the disease, or figuratively, a pest):--pestilence(-t)): In prophetic warnings, famines are frequently mentioned with pestilences, indicating a time of widespread calamity and judgment [[Matthew 24:7]].
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death (literally or figuratively):--X deadly, (be…) death): This word highlights the ultimate consequence of severe famine, as seen when Death is given power to kill with hunger [[Revelation 6:8]].
* `{{G1373}}` **dípsos** (thirst:--thirst): Paired directly with hunger, this word emphasizes the basic physical deprivations endured by believers like Paul in their service [[2 Corinthians 11:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3042}}` is multifaceted, representing a profound state of need.
* **Sign of Judgment:** Famine is consistently presented as a tool of divine judgment or a precursor to the end times. Its appearance in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Revelation signals a period of great trouble and sorrow on the earth ([[Mark 13:8]], [[Revelation 18:8]]).
* **Context for Faithfulness:** The word is used in a list of trials—including tribulation, persecution, and the sword—that cannot separate believers from the love of Christ, portraying it as a severe test of faith [[Romans 8:35]]. Paul's endurance of hunger demonstrates steadfastness amid suffering [[2 Corinthians 11:27]].
* **Catalyst for Repentance:** The experience of hunger can create a moment of clarity and desperation. For the prodigal son, perishing with hunger in a foreign land was the turning point that led him to return to his father's house [[Luke 15:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3042}}` signifies more than just an absence of food; it represents a state of critical destitution. Whether as a large-scale calamity used in divine judgment, a historical event causing widespread affliction, or a personal trial that tests an individual's faith, **limós** serves as a powerful biblical symbol of humanity's vulnerability and fundamental need for a source of true sustenance.
TRV