Original Word: μασάομαι
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: masaomai
Pronunciation: mah-SAH-oh-my
Phonetic Spelling: (mas-sah'-om-ahee)
Definition: I bite, gnaw, chew.
Meaning: To chew, gnaw, or consume with the mouth.

Word Origin: This word is derived from a primary verb.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 3898 (לָחַם, lacham): To fight, to do battle, but in some contexts, it can also mean to eat or consume, reflecting a similar physical engagement.
• Strong's Hebrew 398 (אָכַל, akal): To eat, consume, devour, which directly corresponds to the act of eating or consuming food.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the Greek term μασάομαι, its usage in the New Testament, and its connection to broader biblical themes and corresponding Hebrew terms.

Usage: The term μασάομαι is used in the context of eating or consuming food, often with an emphasis on the physical act of chewing or gnawing.

Context: The Greek verb μασάομαι appears in the New Testament to describe the physical act of chewing or gnawing, often in a literal sense. This term is not frequently used in the New Testament, but when it does appear, it emphasizes the tangible, physical process of eating. The act of chewing is a fundamental part of consuming food, highlighting the necessity of sustenance and the physicality of human existence.

In the broader biblical context, eating and food often carry significant symbolic meanings, representing spiritual nourishment, fellowship, and divine provision. While μασάομαι specifically refers to the physical act, it can be seen as part of the larger biblical narrative where physical actions often have spiritual implications.

The act of chewing, as described by μασάομαι, can also be metaphorically understood in terms of meditating on or deeply considering spiritual truths, akin to the way one might "chew over" a thought or idea. This aligns with the biblical theme of internalizing and reflecting on God's word and teachings.

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
to chew
NASB Translation
gnawed (1).

STRONGS NT 3145: μασσάομαι

μασσάομαι (R G) more correctly μασάομαι (L T Tr WH): imperfect 3 person plural ἐμασῶντο; (ΜΑΩ μάσσω, to knead); to chew, consume, eat, devour (κρέας, Aristophanes, Plutarch, 321; τά δέρματα τῶν θυρεων, Josephus, b. j. 6, 3, 3; ῤίζας ξύλων, the Sept. Job 30:4, and other examples in other authors): ἐμασῶντο τάς γλώσσας αὐτῶν, they gnawed their tongues (for pain), Revelation 16:10.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gnaw.

From a primary masso (to handle or squeeze); to chew -- gnaw.

Forms and Transliterations

εμασσώντο εμασωντο ἐμασῶντο emasonto emasônto emasōnto emasō̂nto

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts