Lexical Summary néstis: Fasting, without food Original Word: νηστής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fasting. From the inseparable negative particle ne- (not) and esthio; not eating, i.e. Abstinent from food (religiously) -- fasting. see GREEK esthio NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom né- (implying negation) and the same as esthió Definition not eating NASB Translation hungry (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3523: νῆστιςνῆστις, accusative plural νήστεις and (so Tdf. (cf. Proleg., p. 1183) νῆστις (see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 326; Fritzsche, Commentary on Mark, p. 796f; cf. (WHs Appendix, p. 157b); Buttmann, 26 (23)), ὁ, ἡ (from νή and ἐσθίω, see νήπιος), fasting, not having eaten: Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:3. (Homer, Aeschylus, Hippocrates ( Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3523 describes the state of being unfed—physical hunger brought on by the absence of food rather than by a chosen fast. In Scripture the word appears only twice, both in connection with the Lord’s miraculous feedings of the multitudes. These placements allow the term to serve as a narrative hinge, turning attention from human lack to divine provision. Occurrences in the New Testament Both verses belong to parallel accounts in which Jesus feeds four thousand men, besides women and children. The crowds have lingered for three days to hear Him and now face a potentially dangerous journey home “hungry” (νήστεις). Contextual Significance in the Feeding Narratives 1. Recognition of Genuine Need Jesus explicitly acknowledges the crowd’s bodily weakness: “I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint along the way” (Matthew 15:32). Hunger is not minimized as a minor discomfort; it is treated as a threat to life and as an obstacle to continued discipleship. The mention of hunger heightens the drama. Against the backdrop of emptiness, the miraculous multiplication of bread and fish shines as a manifestation of Messianic authority and care. Just as the Lord supplied manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4), here He supplies bread in a desolate region. The physical absence of food becomes an occasion for God to act consistently with His covenant faithfulness. Jesus’ Compassionate Response to Human Need The episodes underscore that compassion is not mere sentiment but action that meets tangible needs. Jesus does not merely sympathize; He feeds. The disciples are drawn into participation, distributing what He multiplies. Ministry therefore becomes collaborative—divine power working through human hands. Spiritual Hunger and the Bread-of-Life Theme Though 3523 speaks of physical hunger, the larger narrative arc directs readers to spiritual hunger satisfied in Christ. After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger” (John 6:35). The twin feedings prepare the audience for this self-revelation. Physical satisfaction becomes a sign pointing to the deeper provision of eternal life. Practical and Ministry Implications • Holistic Gospel Work Meeting bodily needs validates gospel proclamation and demonstrates the character of Christ (James 2:15-16). Theological Reflections 1. Incarnational Care The Word made flesh cares for fleshly needs, affirming the goodness of the created order and the future hope of bodily resurrection. Historical Echoes in Early Christian Practice Acts 6 records the appointment of servants to ensure equitable food distribution among widows, reflecting Jesus’ prioritization of the hungry. Early apologists highlighted Christian care for the poor as evidence of faith’s authenticity, and church tradition has continued that witness through almsgiving, soup kitchens, and disaster relief. Application for Contemporary Disciples Believers are called to exhibit the same blend of compassion and faith: In sum, Strong’s 3523 does more than denote an empty stomach; it anchors memorable demonstrations of the Savior’s heart, revealing how divine compassion answers human deficiency in both temporal and eternal dimensions. Forms and Transliterations νηστεις νήστεις νηστόν nesteis nēsteis nḗsteisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 15:32 Adj-AMPGRK: ἀπολῦσαι αὐτοὺς νήστεις οὐ θέλω NAS: to send them away hungry, for they might faint KJV: them away fasting, lest they faint INT: to send away them hungry not I am willing Mark 8:3 Adj-AMP |
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