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γαστήρ

gastḗr

G1064 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The internal cavity of the body, specifically the stomach or womb; in literal usage, refers either to the stomach (the organ of digestion) or, particularly in women, to the womb (organ of gestation); by extension, metaphorically, the seat of physical appetite or, rarely, one characterized by excessive appetite (as 'a glutton'); in Hellenistic and Koine usage, can mean both 'stomach' and 'womb' depending on the context, particularly when used to indicate pregnancy ('with child').

Semantic Range

belly, stomach, organ of digestion, womb, organ of gestation, matrix, appetite, glutton (by metonymy or figurative use), seat of physical or sensual desire

Root / Etymology

etymology uncertain; possibly related to a non-Greek word for 'stomach' or 'belly,' but precise origin unknown. Not directly derived from a known Greek root; cf. Latin 'venter.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek (including Homer), γαστήρ denotes the belly or stomach, the internal organ responsible for digestion, but is also frequently found in reference to the womb or matrix—the organ where offspring are carried. In medical, philosophical, and popular literature of the Hellenistic and later periods, this dual sense persists; thus, the contextual indicators (such as references to pregnancy, gestation, or food) are key for determining the precise meaning. In the Septuagint and New Testament, γαστήρ typically refers to the womb when describing pregnancy ('being with child'). In non-biblical Koine texts, it maintains its semantic range: the physical stomach, the womb, and sometimes as a metonym for appetite or gluttony. Standard English translations often narrow the term to 'womb' when pregnancy is in view, and 'stomach' or 'belly' in other cases, but sometimes obscure the broad overlap seen in Greek.

Translation Consistency

primary "womb" 8 occurrences

Most biblical and Koine uses of γαστήρ refer to the womb (especially in contexts of pregnancy or birth), and the P2 evidence overwhelmingly favors “womb.” “Womb” is a natural, specific English term for the organ of gestation while still allowing understandable translation of related figurative senses (seat of appetite, inner being) where context will guide phrasing.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"bellies" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; the stomach; by analogy, the matrix; figuratively, a gourmand:--belly, + with child, womb.

Root Family

γαστήρ (gastēr) — belly, stomach, womb

Root γαστ- belly, stomach, womb

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1064-02 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG child to the womb to the womb 8
G1064-01 γαστέρες gasteres N NOM F PL bellies bellies bellies 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1064-02 Matthew 1:18 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG child to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 Matthew 1:23 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG womb to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 Matthew 24:19 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG womb to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 Mark 13:17 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG pregnant to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 Luke 1:31 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG your womb to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 Luke 21:23 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG child to the womb to the womb
G1064-02 1 Thessalonians 5:3 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG child to the womb to the womb
G1064-01 Titus 1:12 γαστέρες gasteres N NOM F PL bellies bellies bellies
G1064-02 Revelation 12:2 γαστρὶ gastri N DAT F SG child to the womb to the womb
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