### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) is derived from the verb χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`). The root of both words is χόρτος (chórtos, `{{G5526}}`), which primarily refers to "grass," "hay," or "pasture"—fodder for animals. Thus, χορτάζω initially meant "to feed with fodder," "to graze," or "to fatten." By extension, it came to mean "to feed," "to satisfy with food," or "to fill" for humans. Consequently, χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) denotes the *result* of this feeding or satisfying process: "food," "sustenance," or "that which fills." The emphasis is not merely on the provision of food but on the satisfaction and sufficiency it brings, implying a state of being fully fed or satiated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
It is important to note that the noun χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) does not appear in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts. While Strong's Concordance assigns it a number and definition based on its morphological derivation from a common verb, its actual usage in the New Testament corpus is absent.
Despite its absence, understanding χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) is crucial for grasping the full semantic range of its parent verb, χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`), which is frequently used. For instance, χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`) is prominently featured in the Gospel accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes (e.g., [[Matthew 14:20]], [[Matthew 15:37]], [[Mark 6:42]], [[Mark 8:8]], [[Luke 9:17]], [[John 6:12]]). In these contexts, the verb consistently emphasizes that the crowds were not merely given food, but were "filled" or "satisfied" to the point of having leftovers. Had χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) been used, it would have referred to the "food" that brought this complete satisfaction. The concept of abundant and satisfying provision is therefore deeply embedded in the semantic family of this word.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the verb χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`), meaning "to feed, to satisfy, to fill." This verb is central to understanding the active process of providing sustenance and the state of being filled. Its root, χόρτος (chórtos, `{{G5526}}`), meaning "grass" or "pasture," highlights the agricultural and natural origins of the concept of feeding.
Other related terms that convey the idea of food or provision include:
* τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`): "food," "nourishment."
* βρῶμα (brōma, `{{G1035}}`): "food" in a general sense, often contrasting with spiritual food.
* ἄρτος (artos, `{{G740}}`): "bread," a staple food, often used metaphorically for spiritual sustenance (e.g., "bread of life").
The concept of "sustenance" also connects to themes of divine provision, sufficiency, and the meeting of needs, both physical and spiritual.
### Theological Significance
Even though χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) itself does not appear in the New Testament, the theological significance of its root verb χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`) and the concept of "sustenance that satisfies" are profound.
1. **Divine Provision and Care:** The repeated use of χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`) in the feeding miracles underscores God's abundant provision for His people. Jesus' ability to satisfy thousands with minimal resources points to His divine power and compassion, demonstrating that God is the ultimate source of all sustenance. This echoes Old Testament themes of manna in the wilderness and God's faithfulness to provide for His creation.
2. **Satisfaction in Christ:** The concept of being "filled" or "satisfied" extends beyond physical hunger to spiritual longing. Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([[John 6:35]]). The satisfaction implied by χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who satisfies the deepest needs of the human soul.
3. **Contrast of Earthly and Heavenly Sustenance:** While χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) refers to earthly food, the biblical narrative often contrasts it with a higher form of nourishment. Jesus teaches His disciples not to worry about what they will eat or drink, but to seek first the kingdom of God ([[Matthew 6:25-34]]), implying that true and lasting sustenance comes from God's spiritual provision rather than merely physical provisions.
### Summary
The Greek noun χόρτασμα (chórtasma, `{{G5527}}`) denotes "forage," "food," or "sustenance," emphasizing that which satisfies or fills. While it does not appear in the New Testament, its meaning is derived from its common and significant root verb, χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`), which means "to feed" or "to satisfy." The absence of the noun does not diminish the theological importance of the concept it represents. Through the frequent use of χορτάζω (chortazō, `{{G5528}}`) in the Gospels, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' miraculous feedings, the New Testament powerfully conveys the theme of God's abundant and satisfying provision, both physical and spiritual. This word family ultimately points to Christ as the one who fully satisfies the deepest hunger of humanity, offering true and lasting sustenance.
TRV