γαστήρ (gastēr)
gastēr
belly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun gastēr refers primarily to the belly or womb, serving as a concrete term for the physical center of digestion and new life. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ prediction of distress for pregnant women during times of trouble (Matthew 24:19) to the angel’s announcement that Mary would conceive (Luke 1:31). The word anchors abstract concepts of existence and sustenance in the body.
While its literal sense is neutral, gastēr takes on a sharp metaphorical edge when applied to human character. The sources highlight its use in Titus 1:12, where it describes a "glutton" or someone driven by appetite. Here, the belly represents not just a body part but a master desire, reducing a person to their cravings. This usage contrasts with the spiritual focus urged elsewhere in Scripture.
The term’s range covers both the creation of life and the consumption of food, linking physical nourishment with biological origin. Translators must choose between "womb" for pregnancy contexts and "belly" or "stomach" for digestive or gluttony references. This dual nature reminds readers that the same organ sustaining life can also become a symbol of unchecked appetite if not ordered toward higher purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gastēr grounds us in the reality of our physical bodies. It speaks of the center where life begins and where food is received. In passages like Luke 1:31, it highlights the sacred mystery of conception, reminding us that God enters into the tangible details of human existence. This usage honors the body as a vessel for divine purpose rather than something to be dismissed.
Yet the same word carries a warning in Titus 1:12. There, it describes those ruled by appetite, reducing human dignity to mere craving. This contrast invites reflection on what truly sustains us. Are we driven by immediate desires, or do we seek nourishment that lasts? The text suggests that ordering our appetites toward higher purposes protects the soul from being consumed by itself.
Ultimately, gastēr reminds us that life is both a gift and a responsibility. Whether in the joy of new birth or the discipline of self-control, our physical needs are part of God’s design. We are invited to care for these aspects of ourselves with gratitude and wisdom, recognizing that the same body that sustains life can also reflect our deepest commitments.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- womb [pregnancy]6×
- womb2×
- gluttons1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γαστρὶ8×
- γαστέρες1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:31
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and shall name him ‘Jesus.’
This verse uses the word to describe Mary’s conception, anchoring the Incarnation in physical reality.
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Titus 1:12
One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.”
Here the term metaphorically identifies gluttony as a master desire that undermines moral character.
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Matthew 24:19
But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days!
Jesus uses the physical vulnerability of pregnancy to illustrate the severity of coming tribulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gastēr mean in the New Testament?
Why is gastēr used in Titus 1:12?
How is gastēr different from koilia?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this: After his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together,…
Matthew 1:23“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel,” which is,…
Matthew 24:19But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days!