Lexical Summary nosos: Disease, Sickness, Illness Original Word: νόσος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance disease, infirmity, sickness. Of uncertain affinity; a malady (rarely figuratively, of moral disability) -- disease, infirmity, sickness. HELPS Word-studies 3554 nósos – a chronic (persisting) disease, typically an incurable ailment. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition disease, sickness NASB Translation disease (3), diseases (8). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3554: νόσοςνόσος, νόσου, ἡ, disease, sickness: Matthew 4:23; Matthew 8:17; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:34; Mark 3:15 (R G L); Luke 4:40; Luke 6:18( Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usageνόσος appears eleven times, all in narrative passages that describe the public ministry of Jesus Christ and, later, the apostolic mission. In every context it denotes bodily ailments that hinder normal life, yet it is never treated as merely a medical category; each reference connects physical sickness with larger theological purposes—revelation of the Messiah, proclamation of the kingdom, authentication of divine messengers, and compassionate restoration of broken people. Kingdom Manifestation in Galilee (Matthew 4:23-24; Mark 1:34; Luke 4:40) The launching point of Jesus’ Galilean ministry is framed by a comprehensive triad: teaching, preaching, and healing. Matthew summarizes, “He went throughout Galilee…healing every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). By pairing proclamation with the eradication of νόσοι, the Gospel writers present healing as a visible sign that the long-anticipated reign of God has broken into history (compare Isaiah 35:5-6). Mark and Luke echo the same pattern, showing that the early crowds did not merely hear truth but experienced tangible deliverance. Compassionate Authority (Luke 6:18; 7:21) Luke repeatedly draws attention to Jesus’ compassion toward multitudes burdened with chronic disorders. “Those troubled by unclean spirits were healed, and the whole crowd tried to touch Him” (Luke 6:18-19). Shortly thereafter, Luke records that Christ “cured many of diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits” (Luke 7:21). The triple grouping—physical, psychological, and demonic—underscores total authority over the consequences of the Fall. Messianic Fulfillment and the Servant Song (Matthew 8:17) Matthew cites Isaiah 53:4 after describing Jesus’ evening healings: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried our diseases”. νόσος here is lifted from the sphere of observable symptoms into the realm of redemptive prophecy. Physical cures function as a preview of the cross, where the Suffering Servant would bear the full weight of sin and its bodily effects. Healing serves as both sign and pledge of ultimate atonement. Comprehensive Mission Strategy (Matthew 9:35) A second Galilean summary reiterates the earlier formula but now sets the stage for mission expansion. Jesus “went through all the cities and villages…healing every disease”. His model—word coupled with deed—informs the commissioning of the Twelve in the next chapter. Delegated Power to Disciples (Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1) Before sending the Twelve, Jesus “gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1). Luke parallels: “He gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal diseases” (Luke 9:1). νόσος becomes the proving ground of delegated apostolic authority; curing the incurable validates their preaching that “the kingdom of God has come near.” Continuation in the Pauline Era (Acts 19:12) The last canonical occurrence transfers the ministry of healing beyond Palestine and beyond the original apostles: “Even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were taken to the sick, and their diseases left them, and evil spirits went out of them”. In Ephesus, a Gentile context steeped in occult practice, deliverance from νόσοι testifies that the risen Christ continues His works through chosen vessels, extending the gospel’s reach and credibility. Theological Themes 1. Revelation of the Kingdom Every cure of νόσος signifies the in-breaking reign of God, reversing the curse pronounced in Genesis 3. The healings are not random miracles; they are eschatological signs. 2. Compassion and Restoration The Gospel narratives highlight Jesus’ emotional engagement: He “moved with compassion” toward the sick (compare Mark 1:41). Healing therefore reflects divine character as much as divine power. 3. Atonement Foreshadowed Matthew 8:17 links physical healing to substitutionary suffering. Diseases point to the deeper malady of sin; their removal anticipates the cross and resurrection. 4. Apostolic Authentication Authority over νόσοι validates both message and messenger. Whether the Twelve in Israel or Paul in Asia Minor, healing demonstrates that their words come from God. Practical Ministry Implications • Prayer for the sick remains grounded in Christ’s character and power, acknowledging that ultimate healing—resurrection life—is secured but not always fully manifested in the present age. Old Testament Resonance The Septuagint uses νόσος to translate Hebrew terms such as דָּבֶר (debher, plague) and חֳלִי (choli, sickness), especially in Deuteronomy 28’s covenant curses. By overturning these maladies, Jesus implicitly assumes the role of the covenant keeper who absorbs the curse and bestows blessing. Summary νόσος in the New Testament is never an incidental detail. Whether in Galilee’s villages, on Judea’s hillsides, or in the streets of Ephesus, its removal serves the larger purpose of revealing the Messiah, validating the gospel, and previewing the consummate restoration promised to creation. Forms and Transliterations ενόσσευσαν ενόσσευσεν νοσοις νόσοις νοσον νόσον νοσους νόσους νοσσεύουσαι νόσω νοσων νόσων nosois nósois noson nosōn nóson nósōn nosous nósousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 4:23 N-AFSGRK: θεραπεύων πᾶσαν νόσον καὶ πᾶσαν NAS: kind of disease and every kind KJV: healing all manner of sickness and all INT: healing every disease and every Matthew 4:24 N-DFP Matthew 8:17 N-AFP Matthew 9:35 N-AFS Matthew 10:1 N-AFS Mark 1:34 N-DFP Luke 4:40 N-DFP Luke 6:18 N-GFP Luke 7:21 N-GFP Luke 9:1 N-AFP Acts 19:12 N-AFP Strong's Greek 3554 |
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