[Greek] πεινάω (peinaō): to hunger, to hunger for truth, to be hungry, to have a painful lack for something, to famish, to crave, to be famished, to be in a state of hunger, to desire strongly, to pine for, to suffer; Mt. 4:2, Mt. 5:6, Mt.12:1,3, Mt.25:35,42,44, Mk.2:25, Mk.11:12, Lk.1:53, Lk.4:2, Lk.6:3,21,25,35, Jn.6:35, Rom.12:20, 1Cor.4:11, 1Cor.11:21,34, Php.4:12, Rev.7:16
Bread and Circuses: The Roman social contract in which the government leaders would provide free bread and entertainment to the people.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to be hungry (for food) and to fervently desire something (necessary to life). In the ancient religions, the appeasement of the gods ensured a bountiful harvest. Likewise, bad harvests and famine were attributed to the gods’ wrath. Xenophons’ Symposium 4.36 states, “I am told of certain despots, who have such a greedy appetite for riches, that they commit much more dreadful crimes.” Xenophon’s Cyropaedia 7.5.50 states, “The Hyrcanians were the first to become our friends, and a time when we were very hungry for allies, so that in our affection for them, we all but carried them in our arms.” Xenophon’s Economics 139 states, “For you will do much with them (slaves) by filling their bellies with the food they hanker after.”
Hunger: Ever since antiquity, there are times when rulers have followed a social contract (duty) to ensure that their subjects have a subsistence level which will keep them from hunger. The Pharaohs (and high officials) boasted of fulfilling this duty. Plato concluded that begging should be forbidden by the law, since only the honest man deserves sympathy if he is hungry. Bread and circuses (panem et circenses) was a Roman governmental social policy where the people no longer cared about political issues or participation, as long as they were being kept fed and entertained. This policy lead to more and more extravagant and violent venues of entertainment. Other philosophies advocated moderation or self-sacrifice.
Old Testament: This term, relating to several Hebrew terms, refers to being hungry (for food), being voracious, being fatigued (weary), groaning, growling, languishing, and fainting. The reference to hunger may also arise from the lack of the normal fruits of labor. Hunger can arise from the enemy’s yoke, rejection (abandonment) of God, physical hunger, wandering, and spiritual (religious) longing. Poverty is a misfortune which chastises and purifies. He humbled you and let you be hungry (Deut.8:3). He gives strength to the weary (Isa.40:29). And you groan at your final end (Prov.5:11). For he was sound asleep and exhausted (Jgs.4:21). An idle man will suffer hunger (Prov.19:15). Woe for me for I faint before murderers (Jer. 4:31). The wine is for whoever is faint in the wilderness to drink (2Sam.16:2). The Lord will not allow the righteous to hunger (Prov.10:3).
New Testament: This term, occurring frequently, means being in a state of hunger (for physical or spiritual nourishment). References to physical hunger include Jesus, Paul, David, and common situational circumstances. In the Synoptic gospels, Jesus calls the hungry blessed. These are believers who seek help from Jesus because of their helplessness. This hunger is not a concern for the Jewish notion of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. Jesus states one will be judged in accordance to his acts of mercy toward others. Jesus stands in the place of the person who is hungry. The hungry, often painfully deficient in the things essential to life, seeks help and spiritual nourishment from Jesus. Jesus presents Himself as the Bread of Life, who gives life. This hunger is also for that God’s will be done for them. Paul also refers to a hunger for salvation. The hunger which Paul suffers is that he awaits the consummation of salvation brought by Christ.
Scripture:
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.” Mt. 25:35
Jesus identifies with the hungry person who needs help. Jesus also calls upon those who feed the hungry.
“Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied.” Lk. 6:21
Jesus calls the hungry blessed. The hungry are believers who seek help because of their helplessness.
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the Bread of life; who comes to me will never hunger, and who believes in Me will never thirst.’” Jn.6:35
Pine (as a verb), penury, penitence, penance
Conclusion:
I can see a person, living in a pagan culture, would identify a bountiful harvest with appeasement of the gods. “We must do whatever it takes to keep the gods happy. Otherwise, we will starve!” Since ancient times, human nature has essentially remained the same. Besides physical nourishment, there has always been the desire (hunger) for power and friendship.
It is interesting to discover that some political leaders often follow unwritten social contracts in providing for the physical sustenance for their citizens. Aside from history and a certain Star Trek episode, I never really understood what “Bread and Circuses” meant. No wonder this policy led to gladiator contests and Christian executions in the Roman Colosseum. The Roman people couldn’t get enough violent entertainment! Even today it seems some things still haven’t changed. :~(
It is significant that hunger is related to both God’s wrath (carrying the enemy’s yoke) and also the righteous. God will provide for the righteous who hungers.
Jesus stands in the place of the hungry person and also provides spiritual nourishment (Bread of Life). Jesus calls the hungry blessed. This spiritual hunger may involve finding God’s will for oneself.
Penury is a state of extreme poverty and destitution. This is also related to the Greek peine and Latin poena, meaning pain. Interestingly the French word le pain means bread.
Update (Sept 2020)
Spiritual hunger: In recent years many faithful Catholics and Christians increasingly find themselves concerned and confused, having to deal with modern (secular) issues contrary to traditional Catholic (Christian) values. Such issues are abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage, etc. Yet some church leaders remain silent, acquiescent (willing to change or modify church teachings), or even down-play the issue of abortion as the pre-eminent social issue in our time. Perhaps, it is because of fear in speaking up and in ruffling any church hierarchical “feathers”. The recent new appointment to the Supreme Court even takes on further importance now during these times. Thankfully, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has just declared that abortion is the pre-eminent social justice issue when it comes to voting in this upcoming election.
Many of the faithful are hungering for confirmation and affirmation of spiritual truth from their church leaders. Yet, they often do not find it from their church leaders. However, there is a priest in this “post-Christian wilderness” who has not been afraid to speak up. This priest is Fr. James Altman in the diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin. In his Youtube Video “You cannot be a Catholic and a Democrat”, Fr. Altman, in his own small way, is helping to feed (satisfy) this hunger for spiritual truth. Fr. Altman has touched a cord (evoked a response) from many people. If you are interested in seeing his video, please refer to my previous post (Sept. 21, 2020). https://resoundingthefaith.com/2020/09/greek-%e1%bc%80%ce%bd%ce%b1%cf%80%ce%b5%ce%af%ce%b8%cf%89-anapeitho-latin-persuadere/
Coronavirus pandemic: We also must not forget all those folks (and their families) who have been severely impacted by this pandemic. Many have been forced to seek help from others in providing food for their families.