Brief Overview of Βρῶσις (G1035: Brōsis)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek noun βρῶσις (Brōsis), pronounced bro’-sis, derives from the verb bibrōskō, meaning “to eat” or “to consume.” The term Brōsis primarily refers to the act of eating or the process of consuming food. It can also refer to food itself or the effects of eating. The word is used in various contexts, sometimes metaphorically, to indicate nourishment or the consumption of resources, whether physical or spiritual.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In BDAG, Brōsis is defined as the “act of eating” or “food.” The lexicon emphasizes the term’s usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example, Brōsis can refer to the physical act of eating, as well as to the consumption of resources or the idea of nourishment. BDAG also notes that the term can imply the consequences of eating, such as decay or corrosion.

Thayer’s Lexicon provides a similar definition, describing Brōsis as “eating” or “food.” Thayer emphasizes the term’s metaphorical usage in the New Testament, where it can represent spiritual nourishment or the process of spiritual decay, depending on the context. The lexicon highlights the word’s appearance in passages discussing the consumption of physical food and its spiritual implications.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance identifies Brōsis as “eating,” “food,” or “meat.” Strong’s concordance highlights the word’s dual meaning, referring both to the act of eating and to the food itself. The concordance also emphasizes Brōsis as a term used to describe the effects of consumption, such as corrosion or wear.

One of the key New Testament verses where Brōsis is used is John 4:34, where Jesus says, “My food (brōsis) is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.” This verse illustrates the metaphorical use of Brōsis to represent spiritual sustenance and purpose.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Brōsis is used to describe the act of eating or the food that is consumed. The term appears in various contexts, often related to discussions about diet, nutrition, and the effects of consumption.

For example, in the works of Hippocrates, Brōsis is used in medical texts to discuss the impact of diet on health. The term is often used to describe the process of eating and its effects on the body, both positive and negative.

Aristotle uses Brōsis in his writings on ethics and the good life, where he discusses the role of diet in maintaining health and well-being. For Aristotle, Brōsis is essential to physical and mental health, contributing to the overall balance necessary for a virtuous life.

Plato also uses the term in his dialogues, where he explores the relationship between physical nourishment and intellectual or spiritual nourishment. In these discussions, Brōsis often represents more than just food; it symbolizes the sustenance needed for a flourishing life.

Summary:
The Greek noun βρῶσις (Brōsis), meaning “eating” or “food,” carries significant implications in both physical and metaphorical contexts. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s emphasize the term’s dual meaning, referring to the act of eating as well as the food consumed. Brōsis can also represent the consequences of eating, such as decay or nourishment, depending on the context. In classical Greek literature, Brōsis is used in discussions about diet, health, and the broader implications of consumption. Understanding Brōsis provides insight into the importance of both physical and spiritual nourishment in ancient Greek thought and in the New Testament.