### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chórtasma**, represented by `{{G5527}}`, translates to **sustenance**. Derived from χορτάζω, its definition includes forage or food. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G5527}}` occurs in the historical account of a widespread crisis. During a time when a **dearth** `{{G3042}}` and **great** `{{G3173}}` **affliction** `{{G2347}}` came over all the **land** `{{G1093}}` of **Egypt** `{{G125}}` and **Chanaan** `{{G5477}}`, the scripture records that "our **fathers** `{{G3962}}` found no **sustenance**" [[Acts 7:11]]. This highlights a moment of profound need and desperation for the patriarchs.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the lack of **sustenance**:
* `{{G3042}}` **limós** (dearth, famine, hunger): This term, meaning "a scarcity of food," directly establishes the reason why sustenance was needed. It is often paired with other hardships, such as tribulation and distress [[Romans 8:35]].
* `{{G2347}}` **thlîpsis** (affliction, tribulation, trouble): Paired with the famine in the primary verse, this word emphasizes that the lack of sustenance was part of a broader "great affliction" [[Acts 7:11]]. It underscores the severe pressure and trouble experienced by the people.
* `{{G2147}}` **heurískō** (to find): This word is central to the narrative's action. The statement that the fathers "found no" **sustenance** highlights the futility of their search and the severity of the famine [[Acts 7:11]]. The promise that those who seek will **find** stands in stark contrast to this moment of crisis [[Matthew 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5527}}` is derived entirely from its singular, stark context.
* **Human Dependence:** The inability of the fathers to find **sustenance** underscores a state of complete physical need. The famine over both **Egypt** `{{G125}}` and **Chanaan** `{{G5477}}` illustrates a crisis beyond their control, pointing to a reliance on a source outside of themselves [[Acts 7:11]].
* **Affliction and Famine:** The term is explicitly linked with "great **affliction**" `{{G2347}}`. This pairing demonstrates how physical deprivation like **famine** `{{G3042}}` is a component of wider biblical themes of tribulation and suffering ([[Romans 8:35]], [[Acts 7:11]]).
* **The Futility of Search:** In this instance, the search for a basic necessity of life yields nothing. The declaration that "our fathers **found** `{{G2147}}` no **sustenance**" serves as a powerful statement of desperation and emptiness during a critical moment in Israel's history [[Acts 7:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5527}}` **chórtasma** is a precise term for **sustenance** or food. Its sole appearance in scripture is not incidental but marks a pivotal moment of crisis. Used to describe the complete lack of food during a great **dearth** `{{G3042}}` and **affliction** `{{G2347}}` in **Egypt** `{{G125}}` and **Chanaan** `{{G5477}}`, it powerfully conveys the theme of physical desperation and the dependence of the patriarchs when they could find no relief [[Acts 7:11]].
TRV