στόμαχος
the stomach
Definition
στόμαχος refers literally to the stomach, the organ of digestion. In its single New Testament occurrence in 1 Timothy 5:23, it is used in a practical, physical sense regarding Timothy's health. The word can also carry a broader, metaphorical sense in wider Greek literature, sometimes referring to the throat or esophagus, or even figuratively to one's 'taste' or appetite. However, the biblical usage is strictly literal and medical.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 5:23. Here, the Apostle Paul gives pastoral advice to Timothy, telling him, 'Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.' The context is entirely practical and health-related, with no figurative or theological application. It appears in a pastoral epistle focused on church order and personal conduct.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek word στόμα (stoma, G4750), meaning 'mouth.' The suffix -χος typically denotes an organ or receptacle. Thus, στόμαχος essentially means 'the mouth's receptacle' or 'that which receives from the mouth,' logically describing the stomach as the organ that receives food. This etymological connection highlights its primary function in digestion.
Semantic Range
In the ancient world, stomach ailments were common and often serious. Pure water sources could be scarce or contaminated, leading to digestive issues. Paul's advice to use wine was a practical medicinal recommendation, as wine (often mixed with water) was safer to drink than potentially contaminated water and was believed to have digestive and antiseptic properties. This reflects a first-century approach to healthcare within a pastoral context.
κοιλία (koilia, G2836) — A broader term often meaning 'belly,' 'womb,' or 'inward parts,' which can include the stomach but is less specific. γαστήρ (gastēr, G1064) — Another term for 'belly' or 'womb,' sometimes used for the stomach, but also used figuratively (e.g., for greed).
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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