The Greek word chortázō, represented by G5526, means to fodder, or more generally, to gorge and supply food in abundance. It is used to convey being fed, filled, or satisfied. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses, often highlighting a state of complete fulfillment that goes beyond simple eating.
In the biblical narrative, G5526 is frequently used to describe the miraculous feeding of the multitudes by Jesus. In these accounts, the crowds "did all eat, and were filled" (Matthew 14:20, Mark 6:42, Luke 9:17), emphasizing the abundance of the provision. The term also carries a metaphorical weight, as seen in the Beatitudes where Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness "shall be filled" Matthew 5:6. Conversely, it can describe misguided motivations, as when Jesus tells the crowd they seek him only because they "were filled" with loaves, not because they understood the miracles John 6:26. The word is also used in a grim context, where fowls are filled with the flesh of the slain Revelation 19:21.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of being filled or satisfied:
- G3983 peináō (to famish; figuratively, to crave): This word for being hungry is the direct counterpart to being filled. Paul uses them together to describe his contentment in any state, having learned "both to be full and to be hungry" Philippians 4:12.
- G4052 perisseúō (to superabound, be in excess): Often used alongside G5526, this word describes the leftovers after the crowds were filled, emphasizing that the provision was more than enough. After everyone ate, fragments that "remained" were collected Matthew 14:20.
- G5302 hysteréō (to fall short (be deficient)): Paul contrasts being full and abounding with the state of lack, knowing how "to suffer need" Philippians 4:12. This highlights that true satisfaction is not dependent on physical circumstances.
- G2006 epitḗdeios (requisite): This term for "things which are needful" appears in James, who criticizes those who say "be ye... filled" but do not provide the necessary things for the body James 2:16.
The theological weight of G5526 is demonstrated through its various applications:
- Miraculous Provision: The word is a testament to Christ's divine power to supply abundantly. The disciples initially questioned how they could satisfy a great multitude in the wilderness Mark 8:4, a feat Jesus accomplished with a small amount of food.
- Spiritual Fulfillment: G5526 elevates the idea of satisfaction from a physical act to a spiritual promise. The ultimate state of being filled is reserved for those who hunger for righteousness, a core tenet of the Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:6.
- The Nature of True Faith: The term is used to expose the emptiness of faith without action. Merely wishing for someone to be filled without providing for their needs is of no profit G3786, demonstrating that true faith results in tangible care for others James 2:16.
- Exclusion and Longing: The word is also used to illustrate a state of separation and want. In one instance, a Gentile woman argues that even dogs are filled with crumbs from the master's table Mark 7:27, and in another, a beggar desires to be fed with the crumbs that fall from a rich man's table Luke 16:21.
In summary, G5526 is a powerful word that spans the spectrum from literal, physical satiation to profound, spiritual fulfillment. It is used to illustrate God's miraculous ability to provide in abundance, the ultimate satisfaction found in seeking righteousness, and the critical difference between empty words and genuine faith. The use of chortázō shows how a basic human experience—being full—can serve as a metaphor for the complete satisfaction that only God can provide.
TRV