### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb χορτάζω (chortázō, `{{G5526}}`) derives from χόρτος (chórtos, `{{G5528}}`), which signifies "grass," "pasture," or "fodder." Its primary, literal meaning thus relates to feeding animals, specifically to "fodder" them, ensuring they are well-fed and satisfied. Transferred to human experience, chortázō denotes the act of providing food in such abundance that one is completely "filled," "gorged," or "satisfied." It implies not merely the provision of sustenance, but a state of satiety and contentment that goes beyond simple hunger alleviation. The semantic range extends from the literal act of physical feeding to the metaphorical experience of deep, spiritual fulfillment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Chortázō appears prominently in the New Testament, frequently in contexts of divine provision and spiritual satisfaction.
A primary cluster of occurrences relates to Jesus's miraculous feedings of the multitudes:
* In the feeding of the five thousand, the Gospels consistently report that "all ate and were filled" (e.g., [[Matthew 14:20]], [[Mark 6:42]], [[Luke 9:17]], [[John 6:12]]). The use of chortázō here underscores the complete satisfaction of the vast crowd, with an abundance of leftovers, highlighting Jesus's miraculous power and boundless provision.
* Similarly, in the feeding of the four thousand, the text again emphasizes that the people "ate and were filled" ([[Matthew 15:37]], [[Mark 8:8]]). In both instances, the word conveys a sense of more-than-sufficient provision, leading to complete satiation.
Beyond these miracles, chortázō is used metaphorically and profoundly in the Beatitudes:
* "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" ([[Matthew 5:6]]). Here, the hunger is spiritual, a deep longing for moral and spiritual rectitude, and the "filling" promises a divine satisfaction that transcends physical needs, indicating a comprehensive and enduring spiritual contentment from God.
* A parallel is found in [[Luke 6:21]]: "Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied." While potentially encompassing physical hunger, the broader context of Luke's Beatitudes suggests a spiritual dimension, promising ultimate satisfaction to those who currently experience lack or spiritual longing.
Other notable occurrences include:
* In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Lazarus longed to be "fed" (passive voice, "to be filled") with the crumbs from the rich man's table ([[Luke 16:21]]), illustrating extreme earthly deprivation contrasted with future heavenly comfort.
* In a grim context, [[Revelation 19:21]] describes the birds being "filled" with the flesh of those slain in divine judgment, demonstrating the word's capacity to describe a literal, albeit macabre, satiation.
Across these contexts, chortázō consistently conveys the idea of being completely satisfied, whether by miraculous provision, spiritual fulfillment, or even grim consumption.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to its root noun, χόρτος (chórtos, `{{G5528}}`), which means "grass," "hay," or "fodder," underscoring the agricultural origins of the term.
Related Greek verbs that convey similar ideas of filling or satisfying include:
* πιμπλάω (pimplēmi, `{{G4130}}`): A more general term for "to fill" or "to fulfill," often used for filling vessels or time.
* κορέννυμι (korennumi, `{{G2853}}`): To "satiate" or "satisfy," often used in a similar sense to chortázō, but chortázō often carries a stronger connotation of abundant, even overflowing, satisfaction, particularly in the context of divine provision.
* ἐμπίπλημι (empimplēmi, `{{G1705}}`): To "fill up" or "satisfy," often with a sense of completeness.
The concept of "chortázō" stands in stark contrast to states of hunger (πεινάω, peinaō, `{{G3983}}`), thirst (διψάω, dipsaō, `{{G1372}}`), lack, or emptiness. It is intrinsically linked to themes of divine provision, abundance, contentment, and spiritual nourishment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of chortázō is profound, particularly in its association with God's character as a gracious and abundant provider.
1. **Divine Provision and Abundance:** The use of chortázō in the feeding miracles is foundational. It demonstrates Jesus's divine power to create abundance from scarcity, satisfying the physical needs of the masses completely. This points to God's generous nature and His capability to provide beyond human expectation. These miracles serve as tangible signs of the coming Messianic banquet and the eschatological abundance of God's kingdom.
2. **Spiritual Satisfaction:** The metaphorical use in [[Matthew 5:6]] is perhaps the most theologically rich. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." This verse elevates the concept from mere physical satiety to a deep, spiritual fulfillment. It teaches that true human satisfaction is not found in earthly goods or achievements, but in a profound longing for and reception of God's righteousness. Only God can truly "fill" the deepest spiritual longings of the human heart. This echoes the Old Testament promise of God satisfying the hungry soul (e.g., [[Psalm 107:9]]).
3. **Christ as the Source of Life:** In the context of the feeding miracles, Jesus is implicitly presented as the ultimate source of life and satisfaction, prefiguring His declaration as the "bread of life" ([[John 6:35]]), who, when consumed spiritually, truly satisfies and quenches all spiritual hunger and thirst.
4. **Contrast with Worldly Emptiness:** The concept of being "filled" by God stands in stark contrast to the fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits. While the world promises satisfaction, it often leaves one empty; God's provision, however, leads to lasting contentment.
5. **Judgment:** The use in Revelation, though grim, underscores God's sovereignty even in judgment, where the consequences of rebellion are fully "satisfied" according to divine decree.
### Summary
Chortázō (`{{G5526}}`) is a Greek verb meaning "to fill to satiety," "to gorge," or "to satisfy abundantly." Rooted in the concept of feeding animals to contentment, its New Testament usage extends powerfully to human experience, signifying complete physical and, more significantly, profound spiritual fulfillment. Its most prominent occurrences are in the accounts of Jesus's miraculous feedings, where it underscores divine provision and superabundance. Crucially, in the Beatitudes, chortázō promises ultimate spiritual satisfaction to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, portraying God as the sole source of true and lasting contentment. The word thus encapsulates the boundless generosity of God, His capacity to meet every need, and the deep, abiding satisfaction found in a relationship with Him.
TRV