μασσάομαι (massaomai)
massaomai
to gnaw
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb massaomai describes the physical act of biting or chewing with force. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 16:10, where it depicts the fifth bowl judgment. The text says the throne of the beast is darkened, and people gnaw their tongues in agony. This usage captures a raw, visceral reaction to intense suffering rather than simple eating.
Etymologically, the word likely derives from a root meaning to handle or squeeze, suggesting an active engagement with what is being bitten. While it can mean to chew food, its biblical occurrence emphasizes pain and distress. The imagery of gnawing one’s own tongue conveys a loss of control and deep torment, fitting the apocalyptic context of divine wrath.
Translators typically render this as "gnaw" or "bite," preserving the sense of involuntary, painful action. It is not a word for nourishment but for distress. The rarity of its use in Scripture highlights the severity of the situation described, where even self-inflicted pain fails to alleviate the overwhelming judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word massaomai appears only once in Scripture, capturing a moment of raw, involuntary distress. In Revelation 16:10, it describes people gnawing their tongues under the weight of divine judgment. This is not about eating or nourishment; it is a visceral reaction to overwhelming pain and loss of control.
While this image is stark, it reminds us that God sees the depth of human suffering. Even in moments where we feel our strength failing or our words turning against us, He remains present. The Bible does not shy away from describing agony, but it always points toward a hope that transcends it.
We are invited to bring our deepest struggles to Him, knowing that no pain is too great for His care. Though this verse speaks of judgment, the broader witness of Scripture assures us that God’s mercy endures forever. In every season, we can trust in His faithful presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were gnawing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐμασῶντο1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 16:10
The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain,
This occurrence uses massaomai to depict the physical manifestation of agony and loss of control during the fifth bowl judgment, emphasizing that the action is a reaction to pain rather than nourishment.