{He would fain have been filled} (epethumei
chortasth(886e)ai). Literally, he was desiring (longing) to be
filled. Imperfect indicative and first aorist passive infinitive.
Chortasth(886e)ai is from chortaz(935c) and that from chortos
(grass), and so to feed with grass or with anything. Westcott and
Hort put gemisai t(886e) koilian autou in the margin (the Textus
Receptus). {With the husks} (ek t(936e) kerati(936e)). The word occurs
here alone in the N.T. and is a diminutive of keras (horn) and
so means little horn. It is used in various senses, but here
refers to the pods of the carob tree or locust tree still common
in Palestine and around the Mediterannean, so called from the
shape of the pods like little horns, _Bockshornbaum_ in German or
goat's-horn tree. The gelatinous substance inside has a sweetish
taste and is used for feeding swine and even for food by the
lower classes. It is sometimes called Saint John's Bread from the
notion that the Baptist ate it in the wilderness. {No man gave
unto him} (oudeis edidou aut(9369)). Imperfect active. Continued
refusal of anyone to allow him even the food of the hogs.