[Greek] ὀρέγω (oregō), [Latin] appetere: 1Tim.3:1, 1Tim.6:10, Heb.11:16; to stretch, to have an appetite for something, to reach after, to yearn for, to aspire, to strive to, to attain, to aspire, to long for, to covet
The name oregano comes from the Greek verb orego, meaning ‘I reach out and grab food.’ Oregano historically has been used to stimulate the appetite and to aid in indigestion.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to strive or to reach for something (or someone). The striving of the soul depends on one’s will and reason. Homer’s Iliad 15.371 states “And most of all prayed Nestor of Gerenia, the warder of the Achaeans, stretching forth his two hands to the starry heaven.” Xenophon’s Memorabilia 1.2.15 states “Sharing this knowledge and the principles I have indicated, is it supposed that these two men wanted to adopt the simple life of Socrates.” Plato’s Republic 485d states “The true lover of knowledge must, be most of all, a striver after truth in every form. When a man’s desires have been taught to flow in the channel of learning, they will be concerned with the pleasures of the soul itself.”
Old Testament: This term essentially means to strive. Philo, a Jewish Hellenistic philosopher, makes reference to seeking divine wisdom, seeking relief from torment, pursuing appetites of the flesh, and seeking to serve God. Instead of this punishment, you benefited your people with a novel dish, the delight they craved, by providing quail for their food (Wis.16:2). Let not the lustful cravings of the flesh master me, surrender me not to shameless desires (Sir.23:6). For the emotions of the appetites are restrained, checked by the temperate mind, and all the impulses of the body are bridled by reason (4Macc.1:35).
New Testament: This term means to strive, to attain, to aspire to, and to long for. Faith and eschatological expectations become important motivations for striving. Examples include striving for a bishop’s office, money (riches), and a heavenly home. One, who aspires to bishop’s office, desires a noble task. Many, who strive for the love of money, often stray from the faith and suffer as a result. In faith, Christians seek a heavenly homeland.
Scripture:
“This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task.” 1Tim.3:1
The office of bishop is a noble vocation, worthy of moral strength and conviction.
“For the love of money is the root of all evils, and some people in their desire for it have strayed from the faith and have pierced themselves with many pains.” 1Tim.6:10
Many who have strived for riches have strayed and suffered (in various ways).
“But now they desire a better homeland, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Heb.11:16
In faith many seek a heavenly home.
Etymology: The Greek verb orego which means “I reach out and grab.” The Greek noun oros means mountain. Ancient Greeks called this herb “joy (ganos) of the mountain”. These Greek nouns form the basis for oregano. This herb has been used in cooking and medicine. Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties. The Latin noun appetitus means desire for.
Conclusion:
Oregano, appetite
At first, I wasn’t too sure if there was a modern day word that comes from this term. (Could this term be related to oregano?) Then I just realized that ‘oregano’ sounds very similar to this term. So, I strove to further investigate this matter. After further study I discovered that ‘oregano’ and the Latin verb appetere are related. The Greeks constantly sought knowledge, wisdom, and reason.
In the Old Testament, reason was used to aid and oppose physical cravings. Philo makes reference using reason to seek and to find God.
The New Testament reminds us of the evils and consequences of striving for riches (and money). The office of bishops remains a noble office, despite the often sinful character of the person who occupies this position. Pertaining to the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, I think it is important in being reminded of this, in light of the failures of some cardinals, bishops and priests. In faith, Christians seek to reach the heavenly home with God.
Oregano has many healthful benefits. I am a big fan of using herbs for health purposes. I take nattokinase (natural soy bean enzyme) instead of low dose aspirin for heart health. I take garlic as an all-round natural antibiotic. I take beet root (as a nitric oxide source) for improved cellular oxygen intake and for sports activity. And you can’t go wrong with oregano on a meatball sandwich. (I bet you are getting hungry now!)
I am glad that I had the desire (appetite) in further learning about this term!