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Introduction
Understanding Greek words like ἐπιούσιος (epiousios) is crucial in Biblical studies, particularly when it comes to key theological concepts. This word, which appears in the Lord’s Prayer, has generated considerable discussion among scholars and translators. It holds significant relevance for New Testament interpretation and understanding ancient Greek culture, as it touches upon daily sustenance, divine provision, and the spiritual life of early Christian communities.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιούσιος (epiousios) [eh-pee-OO-see-os]
- Etymology root words and their meanings: Likely derived from ἐπί (epi, “upon” or “for”) and εἶμι (eimi, “to go” or “to be”), though its exact origins remain debated. It generally conveys the idea of something “for the coming day” or “necessary for existence.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective; used to describe something that is necessary or sufficient for the day.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Necessary for existence
- Sufficient for the coming day
- Daily (as in “daily bread”)
Similar Words: καθημερινός (kathēmerinos) [ka-thē-me-ree-NOS], meaning “daily,” often used to describe something recurring every day. While ἐπιούσιος is specifically used in the context of sustenance or provision, καθημερινός is a more general term for daily occurrences.
Further Insights: ἐπιούσιος is an adjective with a unique formation. It is one of the rarest words in the New Testament, appearing only in Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3, both within the Lord’s Prayer. Below is the declension table for ἐπιούσιος:
| Case / Number | Masculine/Feminine (Singular) | Neuter (Singular) | Masculine/Feminine (Plural) | Neuter (Plural) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἐπιούσιος | ἐπιούσιον | ἐπιούσιοι | ἐπιούσια |
| Genitive | ἐπιουσίου | ἐπιουσίου | ἐπιουσίων | ἐπιουσίων |
| Dative | ἐπιουσίῳ | ἐπιουσίῳ | ἐπιουσίοις | ἐπιουσίοις |
| Accusative | ἐπιούσιον | ἐπιούσιον | ἐπιουσίους | ἐπιούσια |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Describes ἐπιούσιος as “pertaining to what is necessary for life” or “sufficient for each day,” used particularly to describe bread that is necessary for daily sustenance.
- Thayers: Notes that ἐπιούσιος is an adjective meaning “necessary” or “sufficient” and is particularly tied to daily bread, emphasizing daily dependence on divine provision.
- Vines: Highlights the rare and unique nature of ἐπιούσιος, emphasizing its role in the Lord’s Prayer and translating it as “daily” or “for the coming day.”
- LSJ: Provides insight into the root components of ἐπιούσιος, indicating a possible combination of “epi” (upon) and “eimi” (to be), suggesting “for the coming day.”
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐπιούσιος as “necessary for existence,” particularly in the context of daily bread, and provides references to its New Testament usage.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 6:11: “Give us this day our [daily] bread (ἐπιούσιον).”
- Luke 11:3: “Give us day by day our [daily] bread (ἐπιούσιον).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Origen | Commentary on Matthew | “Give us today our bread (ἐπιούσιον) for the coming day, that we may be sustained by thy bounty.” |
| Cyril of Alexandria | On the Gospel of Luke | “Let us ask the Lord to provide us with bread (ἐπιούσιον) that is necessary and sufficient for each day.” |
| Gregory of Nyssa | Homilies on the Lord’s Prayer | “The bread (ἐπιούσιον) symbolizes the spiritual sustenance we require each day to grow in faith.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 16:4 | “Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread (ἐπιούσιον) from heaven for you.” |
| Septuagint | Proverbs 30:8 | “Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food (ἐπιούσιον) convenient for me.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 33:16 | “Bread (ἐπιούσιον) shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.” |
Summary of ἐπιούσιος (G1967)
The Greek word ἐπιούσιος (epiousios) is an adjective found uniquely in the New Testament within the Lord’s Prayer. It conveys the idea of something necessary or sufficient for daily existence, such as “daily bread.” Its etymological roots suggest a meaning tied to the present or coming day, emphasizing a dependence on God’s provision. This word offers deep theological implications, touching upon themes of trust, reliance, and spiritual nourishment in both Biblical and early Christian contexts.
Did You Know?
The word ἐπιούσιος appears only twice in the entire New Testament, in the context of the Lord’s Prayer. Its rarity and specificity have made it a subject of intense scholarly debate, with interpretations ranging from “daily” to “supersubstantial” or “necessary for existence.” The Greek Church Fathers often associated it with spiritual sustenance, tying it to the Eucharist or the divine Word as the “bread” that sustains believers spiritually.
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