The word "famished" in a biblical context means
extremely hungry; starving; feeling an intense lack of food. It goes beyond just being hungry; it implies a state of desperation and potential physical distress due to the prolonged absence of sustenance.
Here are some examples of the use of the word and its implications in the Bible:
* Luke 15:17: "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am famishing!'" (The Prodigal Son's realization of his dire situation)
* Proverbs 10:3: "The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, but he thwarts the craving of the wicked." (A contrast between God's provision for the righteous and the insatiable desires of the wicked, where "hungry" implies being famished)
In these and other biblical passages, "famished" highlights the severe nature of hunger, often in situations of hardship, repentance, or divine testing. It can also serve as a metaphor for spiritual hunger or a deep longing for God's presence and provision.