### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun νόσος (nósos), Strong's number `{{G3554}}`, refers primarily to a "malady," "disease," or "sickness." Its core meaning denotes a state of physical ailment or ill health. While the base definition notes a rare figurative use for "moral disability," the New Testament occurrences of νόσος are consistently employed in a literal sense, describing physical afflictions. The etymological origin of νόσος is considered uncertain, suggesting its meaning is best understood from its contextual usage within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term νόσος appears nine times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels, particularly in descriptions of Jesus' healing ministry. Its consistent usage highlights the pervasive reality of human suffering and the divine power manifested in Christ's ability to overcome it.
* In [[Matthew 4:23]] and [[Matthew 9:35]], νόσος is part of a comprehensive description of Jesus' healing activities, where he "went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people." This pairing with μαστιξ (affliction/plague) underscores the breadth of His restorative work.
* [[Matthew 4:24]] further elaborates, stating that people brought to Him "all who were sick with various diseases and pains," emphasizing the diverse nature of the ailments addressed.
* A profound theological statement is found in [[Matthew 8:17]], which explicitly connects Jesus' healing of diseases to the prophecy of [[Isaiah 53:4]]: "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." Here, νόσος is linked to the atoning work of Christ, suggesting that His suffering encompassed the physical brokenness of humanity.
* Jesus' authority over disease is also extended to His disciples. In [[Matthew 10:1]] and [[Luke 9:1]], He gives them "power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases," signifying the continuation of His redemptive mission through His followers.
* [[Mark 1:34]] notes that Jesus "healed many who were sick with various diseases," showcasing the widespread impact of His compassion and power.
* [[Luke 7:21]] describes Jesus' actions in response to John the Baptist's disciples, where "in that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits," again demonstrating His comprehensive dominion over all forms of suffering.
* Finally, in [[Acts 19:12]], the power of God through Paul is so great that "even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them." This illustrates the enduring power of God to heal νόσος through His apostles, even indirectly.
Across these occurrences, νόσος consistently refers to specific physical illnesses, often implying a state of debilitation or suffering that Jesus and His emissaries supernaturally overcome.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding νόσος is enhanced by examining related terms and concepts:
* **ἀσθένεια (astheneia, `{{G769}}`):** Often translated "weakness" or "infirmity." While related to sickness, ἀσθένεια can be a broader term, encompassing general physical weakness, frailty, or even spiritual weakness, whereas νόσος specifically denotes a disease or malady. However, in contexts like [[Matthew 8:17]], they are used synonymously or in parallel to describe human suffering.
* **μαστιξ (mastix, `{{G3148}}`):** Meaning "a whip," "scourging," or by extension, "a plague" or "severe affliction." Often paired with νόσος (e.g., [[Matthew 4:23]], [[Luke 7:21]]), it emphasizes the severity or punitive nature of certain illnesses or calamities.
* **κάμνω (kamnō, `{{G2577}}`):** A verb meaning "to be weary" or "to be sick," indicating the state of being afflicted by νόσος.
* **ἀρρωστος (arrhostos, `{{G732}}`):** An adjective meaning "sick" or "infirm," describing one who is suffering from νόσος.
* **Θεραπεύω (therapeuō, `{{G2323}}`):** The verb "to heal" or "to cure," frequently used in conjunction with νόσος to describe the act of overcoming disease.
The theological concepts related to νόσος include the impact of the Fall on the physical world, the reality of human suffering, the compassion of God, the redemptive power of Christ's ministry, and the eschatological hope of a world free from all sickness.
### Theological Significance
The presence of νόσος in the biblical narrative carries profound theological significance:
1. **Evidence of a Fallen World:** The existence of νόσος is a stark reminder of the brokenness and decay introduced into creation by the Fall. It signifies the physical consequences of sin, where humanity and the natural world are subject to corruption and death.
2. **Manifestation of Divine Power and Compassion:** Jesus' consistent ability to heal νόσος demonstrates His divine authority over the effects of the Fall. His acts of healing were not merely humanitarian gestures but powerful signs of the Kingdom of God breaking into a sin-sick world. They reveal God's deep compassion for suffering humanity, moving Him to intervene directly in their physical pain.
3. **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Atonement:** As seen in [[Matthew 8:17]], Jesus' bearing of our νόσος is directly linked to the atoning work of the Suffering Servant prophesied in Isaiah. This suggests that physical healing, while not always immediate or universal in this age, is intrinsically connected to Christ's comprehensive work of redemption, which addresses not only spiritual but also physical brokenness.
4. **Inauguration of the Kingdom:** The eradication of νόσος by Jesus and His disciples serves as a tangible foretaste of the future consummation of God's Kingdom, where all tears, pain, and sickness will be no more ([[Revelation 21:4]]). It signifies that God's ultimate plan includes the restoration of physical well-being.
5. **Commission to the Church:** By empowering His disciples to heal νόσος, Jesus commissioned His followers to participate in His ongoing redemptive mission. This highlights the church's role in ministering to the sick and demonstrating the power of God's Kingdom in the present age.
### Summary
The Greek term νόσος (`{{G3554}}`) refers specifically to "disease" or "sickness" in the New Testament, consistently describing physical ailments. Its occurrences are concentrated in the Gospels, where it highlights the prevalence of human suffering and, more importantly, the extraordinary power and compassion of Jesus Christ. Jesus' ability to heal every νόσος serves as a clear demonstration of His divine authority, fulfilling ancient prophecies and inaugurating the Kingdom of God. The removal of νόσος by Christ and His commissioned disciples points to the comprehensive nature of redemption, addressing not only spiritual but also physical brokenness, and offering a tangible foretaste of the future new heavens and new earth where all sickness will be eternally absent.
TRV