μασσάομαι (G3145) — Greek Lexicon

μασσάομαι

massáomai

G3145 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To chew by grinding or crushing with the teeth; to gnaw, especially in the context of eating food. Primarily denotes the physical action of chewing, with a focus on working food with the teeth.

Semantic Range

to chew, to gnaw, to crush or grind food with the teeth

Root / Etymology

Probably of onomatopoeic origin, reflecting the sound or action of chewing; no securely attested Greek root beyond the verb itself. Etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μασσάομαι is an extremely rare verb in Koine Greek, attested only in a few sources, such as the New Testament (Luke 6:1) and later medical and culinary writings. In Luke 6:1, it describes the act of the disciples rubbing grain in their hands and eating (chewing) it, emphasizing the physical preparation and consumption of food. Not used in classical Greek, appearing in post-classical or Hellenistic contexts and considered a colloquial or regional term. The word does not carry metaphorical or idiomatic senses in extant sources. Related verbs for 'eat' or 'chew' include τρώγω (to chew, eat, often of animals or in the sense of 'munching'), but μασσάομαι retains a narrower sense focused specifically on the act of chewing. English translations may use 'to chew,' 'to gnaw,' or 'to eat,' but these can miss the specificity of the word's focus on the action of chewing with the teeth.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a primary (to handle or squeeze); to chew:--gnaw.

Root Family

μασσ- (ekmássō) — to wipe, to rub, to knead

Root μασσ- to chew, to gnaw

Strong's	Lemma	SIBI-P1
G1591	ἐκμάσσω	to be wiping off
G631	ἀπομάσσομαι	we wipe off from ourselves

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3145-01`	ἐμασῶντο	emasonto	`V IMPF MID IND 3P PL`	they gnawed	they were chewing	they were chewing	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3145-01`	Revelation 16:10	ἐμασῶντο	emasonto	`V IMPF MID IND 3P PL`	they gnawed	they were chewing	they were chewing

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