νοσέω (noseō)
noseō
be sick
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb noseō means to be sick, describing a state of physical illness that can also apply to the mind or spirit. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Timothy 6:4, where Paul describes those who are "puffed up" with conceit and quarrelsome. Here, the word is used metaphorically to label a moral or mental condition as a kind of disease.
Its root relates to illness or sickness, and ancient sources note that it can describe a morbid fondness or an unhealthy obsession. When applied to spiritual matters, it suggests that a twisted interest in controversy or pride is not just a bad habit, but a symptom of a deeper ailment. Translators typically render this as "sick" or "diseased," highlighting the pathological nature of such behavior.
This single usage underscores how early Christian writers viewed certain attitudes as symptoms of a broken inner state rather than mere personality flaws. The word connects physical health with spiritual integrity, implying that just as the body needs healing, so too does the mind and heart require correction when it falls into destructive patterns.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word noseō appears only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 6:4. Paul uses it to describe people who are "obsessed" with arguments and disputes. He calls this condition a sickness, linking moral pride to a kind of spiritual illness. This reminds us that our attitudes matter deeply. When we become fixated on winning debates or proving ourselves right, we may be ignoring a deeper need for healing.
It is easy to treat disagreements as simple personality clashes. Paul sees them as symptoms of a broken inner state. His point is not just about being polite. He highlights how conceit can distort our thinking and harm our relationships. Recognizing this helps us approach conflict with humility. We can ask for God’s help to heal the root causes of our anger or pride.
This perspective invites us to look inward when we feel provoked. Instead of focusing on who is right, we can seek peace and understanding. It encourages a gentle spirit that values connection over contention. May you find rest in Christ’s healing grace as you navigate difficult conversations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- unhealthy1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νοσῶν1×