νόσημα

νόσημα

a trouble, disease

Definition

The Greek word νόσημα (nosēma) refers to a physical disease, sickness, or malady. It specifically denotes a state of bodily illness or infirmity, carrying a sense of a persistent, troubling condition. In its single New Testament occurrence in John 5:4, it describes the various 'diseases' of the multitude waiting at the pool of Bethesda. While closely related to general terms for sickness, νόσημα emphasizes the condition itself as an affliction.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in John 5:4. It appears in the context of the pool of Bethesda, where a multitude of people who were blind, lame, and paralyzed waited. The term is used collectively to describe the 'diseases' of this crowd, highlighting their various physical infirmities in a setting associated with hoped-for healing.

Etymology

νόσημα is derived from the verb νοσέω (noseō), meaning 'to be sick' or 'to ail.' It is a noun formed from this root, concretely denoting the sickness or disease itself. It is related to other Greek words in the semantic field of illness and weakness.

Semantic Range

Although used only once, νόσημα appears in a theologically significant narrative about Jesus's power to heal and bring wholeness. The scene at Bethesda (John 5:1-15) contrasts human superstition and limited hope with the sovereign, word-based healing authority of Christ. Understanding this specific term for 'disease' underscores the comprehensive nature of human brokenness that Jesus addresses, pointing to his role as the ultimate restorer from all forms of sin's effects on the body. In the ancient world, diseases (νόσημα) were often viewed through a lens that intertwined physical, spiritual, and moral causes. The setting in John 5—a pool associated with a folk belief that an angel would stir the waters for healing—reflects a common cultural mix of popular religion and desperation for cure. Jesus's intervention transcends this superstitious framework, asserting his direct, divine authority over sickness. νόσος (nosos, G3554) — A very close synonym, also meaning 'disease' or 'sickness,' often used more generally. ἀσθένεια (astheneia, G769) — Emphasizes 'weakness' or 'infirmity,' which can be physical or spiritual, and is a broader term. μαλακία (malakia, G3119) — Typically denotes 'softness' or 'sickness,' often with a connotation of chronic illness or debility.

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