Strong's Lexicon masaomai: To chew, to gnaw Original Word: μασάομαι Word Origin: Derived from a primary verb Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "masaomai," the concept of eating or consuming is prevalent in the Old Testament. Strong's Hebrew entries such as H398 (אָכַל, 'akal) meaning "to eat" and H3899 (לֶחֶם, lechem) meaning "bread" are related in thematic content. Usage: The Greek verb "masaomai" primarily means to chew or gnaw. It is often used in a literal sense to describe the physical act of chewing food. In a broader metaphorical context, it can imply a persistent or consuming action, akin to how one might gnaw on a problem or thought. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, eating was a communal and significant activity, often associated with fellowship and sharing. The act of chewing, while mundane, was an essential part of daily life, symbolizing sustenance and survival. In the biblical context, the physical act of eating often carried deeper spiritual meanings, such as the consumption of spiritual truths or the internalization of divine wisdom. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition to chew NASB Translation gnawed (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3145: μασσάομαιμασσάομαι (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 emasō̂ntoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 16:10 V-IIM/P-3PGRK: ἐσκοτωμένη καὶ ἐμασῶντο τὰς γλώσσας NAS: darkened; and they gnawed their tongues KJV: and they gnawed their INT: darkened and they were gnawing the tongues |