Brief Overview of Βρώσιμος (G1034: Brōsimos)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek adjective βρώσιμος (Brōsimos), pronounced bro’-see-mos, is derived from the root verb bibrōskō, which means “to eat.” The word Brōsimos primarily means “edible” or “fit for eating.” It is used to describe anything that is suitable for consumption, particularly in reference to food. The term highlights the quality of being consumable, distinguishing what is appropriate or allowable for eating from what is not.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
In BDAG, Brōsimos is defined as “edible” or “suitable for eating.” BDAG notes that the word is often used in contexts that emphasize the suitability or appropriateness of certain foods, particularly in discussions about dietary laws or regulations. The term appears infrequently in the New Testament but carries significant implications when it does, especially in discussions about what is permissible for consumption under religious law.

Thayer’s Lexicon provides a similar definition, focusing on the word’s use to describe food that is fit for consumption. Thayer highlights that Brōsimos is particularly relevant in discussions about clean and unclean foods, as outlined in Jewish dietary laws. The lexicon also notes that the word can be used metaphorically to describe teachings or doctrines that are “palatable” or acceptable to a particular audience.

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Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance concurs with these definitions, identifying Brōsimos as “edible” or “that which is fit to eat.” Strong’s emphasizes the word’s role in determining what is suitable for consumption, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. The concordance underscores the importance of context in understanding the term’s full meaning, especially in religious or cultural discussions.

One of the key New Testament verses where Brōsimos is used is in Luke 24:41-43, where the resurrected Jesus asks for something to eat and is given a piece of broiled fish, which is described as Brōsimos—indicating its suitability for eating.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, Brōsimos is used to describe food that is edible or fit for consumption. The term appears in various contexts, often related to discussions about diet and nutrition.

In the works of Hippocrates, for instance, Brōsimos is used in medical texts to describe foods that are considered beneficial or appropriate for a healthy diet. The term is often used to differentiate between foods that are nourishing and those that may be harmful or unsuitable for certain individuals.

Aristotle uses Brōsimos in his writings on ethics and the good life, where he discusses the importance of proper nutrition and the role of food in maintaining health. For Aristotle, Brōsimos foods are those that contribute to the well-being of the body and, by extension, the mind.

The term also appears in the writings of Galen, where it is used to describe the qualities of various foods and their effects on the body. Galen, like Hippocrates, was concerned with the medicinal properties of food and often used Brōsimos to categorize those foods that were considered beneficial for health.

Summary:
The Greek adjective βρώσιμος (Brōsimos), meaning “edible” or “fit for eating,” is a term that emphasizes the suitability of food for consumption. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s highlight the word’s primary meaning as describing food that is appropriate or allowable to eat, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. In classical Greek literature, Brōsimos is used in discussions about diet, nutrition, and health, often to differentiate between foods that are beneficial and those that are not. Understanding Brōsimos in its various contexts provides insight into the importance of food in both physical and spiritual nourishment.