feminine from the same as νόμος; pasture, i.e. (the act) feeding (figuratively, spreading of a gangrene), or (the food) pasturage:--X eat, pasture.
Transliteration:nomḗ
Pronunciation:nom-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word νομή (nomḗ) `{{G3542}}` is a feminine noun derived from the same root as νόμος (nomos) `{{G3551}}`, meaning "law" or "custom." While its etymological connection to "law" might suggest an ordered distribution or allotment, its primary semantic range in the New Testament leans strongly towards concepts of sustenance and spread.
The core meanings of νομή include:
1. **Pasture/Grazing Land:** The physical location where animals feed. This evokes images of verdant fields providing nourishment.
2. **Act of Feeding/Grazing:** The process by which animals consume food.
3. **Pasturage/Food:** The actual sustenance or nourishment itself.
Beyond these literal meanings, νομή also carries a significant figurative sense, particularly in its second New Testament occurrence. Here, it describes a destructive, consuming "spreading," akin to the advance of a disease like gangrene. This figurative usage extends the concept of "consumption" or "advance" from a physical act to a more abstract, often negative, progression.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term νομή appears only twice in the New Testament, each instance offering a distinct and powerful contextual application:
1. **[[John 10:9]]**: "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture (*nomḗ*)."
In this passage, Jesus speaks of Himself as the "door" to the sheepfold, emphasizing His role as the sole means of salvation and secure access. The "pasture" (νομή) represents the spiritual provision, abundance, and security that believers find in Him. It signifies a place of safety, nourishment, and freedom, where the "sheep" (believers) can "go in and out" without fear, experiencing true life and sustenance. This usage aligns with the literal sense of a place of feeding, but metaphorically applied to spiritual well-being.
2. **[[2 Timothy 2:17]]**: "and their talk will spread like gangrene (*nomḗ*)."
Here, νομή takes on a starkly figurative and negative meaning. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers like Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose "empty talk" and "godless chatter" are likened to gangrene. The word νομή in this context denotes the rapid, destructive, and consuming spread of error, heresy, and spiritual decay. Just as gangrene consumes healthy flesh, false doctrine devours faith and undermines sound teaching, leading to ungodliness. This powerful imagery underscores the virulent and insidious nature of spiritual deception.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of νομή is enriched by considering its connections to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **νόμος (nomos) `{{G3551}}` (Law):** While not a direct synonym, the etymological link suggests an underlying idea of "allotment" or "ordered distribution." This can be seen in the way animals are allotted a certain grazing area, or how a disease "allots" its destructive spread.
* **ποιμήν (poimēn) `{{G4166}}` (Shepherd):** Directly related to the context of νομή in John 10, as the shepherd leads the sheep to pasture.
* **βόσκω (boskō) `{{G1006}}` (To feed, to graze):** The verb form describing the action associated with νομή.
* **τροφή (trophē) `{{G5160}}` (Food, nourishment):** A broader term for sustenance, of which νομή is a specific type (pasturage).
* **Metaphors of Spiritual Nourishment:** The concept of νομή in John 10 resonates with other biblical metaphors for spiritual sustenance, such as "living water" (e.g., [[John 4:10]]), the "bread of life" (e.g., [[John 6:35]]), and the "milk" and "solid food" of doctrine (e.g., [[Hebrews 5:12-14]]).
* **Metaphors of Destructive Spread:** The usage in 2 Timothy 2 finds parallels in other biblical warnings against the insidious spread of evil, such as the leaven of the Pharisees (e.g., [[Galatians 5:9]]) or the pervasive nature of sin (e.g., [[Romans 5:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The two occurrences of νομή `{{G3542}}` in the New Testament offer profound theological insights:
* **Christ as the Source of Abundant Life and Provision:** In [[John 10:9]], νομή highlights Jesus' role as the ultimate provider for His people. He is not merely a gatekeeper but the very source of spiritual nourishment, security, and abundant life. The "pasture" signifies the fullness of salvation, peace, and spiritual flourishing found exclusively in Him. It underscores the sufficiency and richness of the life offered to those who enter through Christ. This speaks to the pastoral care of God for His flock, leading them to green pastures and still waters ([[Psalm 23:2]]).
* **The Virulence and Danger of False Teaching:** The use of νομή in [[2 Timothy 2:17]] serves as a stark warning against the destructive power of heresy. By likening false teaching to gangrene, Paul emphasizes its insidious, spreading, and ultimately fatal impact on spiritual health. It is not merely an intellectual error but a spiritual disease that consumes faith, leads to godlessness, and undermines the very fabric of the church. This underscores the critical importance of sound doctrine, discernment, and diligent guarding of the truth within the Christian community.
* **A Theological Contrast:** The duality of νομή presents a powerful theological contrast: the life-giving provision found in Christ versus the death-dealing spread of error. This contrast emphasizes the crucial choice believers face: to feed on the truth of Christ and experience spiritual vitality, or to be consumed by the lies of the enemy, leading to spiritual decay.
### Summary
The Greek word νομή (nomḗ) `{{G3542}}`, though appearing only twice in the New Testament, carries significant theological weight. Its primary meaning relates to "pasture" or "feeding," signifying sustenance and provision. In [[John 10:9]], it beautifully portrays Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment, safety, and abundant life for His sheep. However, in a striking contrast, [[2 Timothy 2:17]] employs νομή figuratively to describe the destructive, consuming spread of false teaching, likened to a virulent gangrene. Thus, νομή serves as a potent term illustrating both the life-giving provision of God in Christ and the insidious, death-dealing nature of spiritual error, urging believers to pursue the truth that leads to life and to guard against that which brings decay.
TRV