### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **próspeinos**, represented by `{{G4361}}`, means to be **very hungry**. It is derived from words meaning "hungering further" and denotes an intense, pressing hunger. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G4361}}` occurs in the narrative of the Apostle Peter in Acts. Just before receiving his pivotal vision about clean and unclean animals, the scripture states that he **became** `{{G1096}}` **very hungry** `{{G4361}}` and desired to **eat** `{{G1089}}`. It was in this state of intense physical hunger, while waiting for a meal to be prepared, that he fell into a **trance** `{{G1611}}`, setting the stage for a divine revelation that would change the course of the early church [[Acts 10:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of `{{G4361}}` is illuminated by several surrounding words in its only appearance:
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai**: This verb, meaning **to become** or "come into being," marks the transition Peter experienced as he moved into a state of intense hunger [[Acts 10:10]].
* `{{G1089}}` **geúomai**: Meaning **to taste** or **eat**, this word captures the natural desire that stemmed from Peter's hunger. His wish to eat is the immediate precursor to the vision about food [[Acts 10:10]].
* `{{G1611}}` **ékstasis**: Defined as a **trance** or "a displacement of the mind," this is the supernatural state that overcame Peter while he was **very hungry**, linking his physical condition to the spiritual experience that followed [[Acts 10:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4361}}` is tied entirely to its unique context.
* **The Divine in the Mundane:** The use of **próspeinos** grounds a moment of profound revelation in a relatable, everyday human need. It shows God meeting Peter not in a formal religious setting, but in a moment of simple, intense hunger [[Acts 10:10]].
* **A Bridge to Revelation:** Peter’s physical hunger and desire to **eat** `{{G1089}}` serve as a thematic bridge to the vision itself, which centered on what was permissible to eat. His physical state prepared him for a spiritual lesson on a related topic.
* **Physical Need Preceding Spiritual Experience:** The passage illustrates a progression where a person **became** `{{G1096}}` **very hungry** `{{G4361}}` and, while waiting to be physically filled, was instead overcome by a spiritual **trance** `{{G1611}}`, suggesting a posture of receptivity [[Acts 10:10]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G4361}}` is a rare word, its singular appearance is noteworthy. It precisely describes the intense hunger of Peter, establishing a human-level context for a major turning point in biblical history. The term powerfully illustrates how a basic physical need can be the immediate setting for a divine encounter, demonstrating that God's pivotal revelations can enter into the most ordinary moments of human life.
TRV