Brief Overview of Δειπνέω (G1172: Deipnéō)

Deipnéō (pronounced dayp-NEH-oh, δειπνέω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1172. The word Deipnéō is derived from the noun δεῖπνον (deîpnon), which refers to a “supper” or “main meal.” Deipnéō specifically means “to dine” or “to take supper.” It describes the act of partaking in the main meal of the day, which, in ancient Greek culture, was typically held in the evening.

Deipnéō is primarily used to indicate the act of eating the principal meal, often in a social setting where fellowship and conversation are key components. This term can carry connotations beyond mere sustenance, emphasizing the communal and relational aspects of dining. In the New Testament, Deipnéō is used in contexts that highlight both the physical act of eating and the spiritual or communal significance of shared meals.

Scripture References

1. Luke 17:8: “Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’?” (δειπνήσῃς, deipnēsēs). Here, Deipnéō is used to describe the act of preparing and serving a meal, reflecting the cultural norms of dining in ancient times.
2. Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (δειπνήσω, deipnēsō). In this verse, Deipnéō is used metaphorically to describe the intimate fellowship between Christ and believers, symbolized by sharing a meal together.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:25: “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” (δειπνήσας, deipnēsas). Although this verse focuses on the cup, the word Deipnéō is implied as part of the context, referring to the Last Supper.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deipnéō is defined as “to eat the main meal” or “to dine.” BDAG emphasizes that Deipnéō is often used in contexts where the act of dining is not just about eating but also about fellowship and sharing, particularly in communal or spiritual settings. The lexicon notes that Deipnéō can carry significant relational connotations, especially in passages like Revelation 3:20, where the act of dining symbolizes deeper communion.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deipnéō as “to sup” or “to dine,” focusing on the cultural importance of the evening meal in ancient Greek society. Thayer’s highlights that Deipnéō often implies more than just eating; it suggests a time of fellowship, conversation, and relationship-building, particularly in the context of shared meals among friends or family.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deipnéō, noting its use in classical Greek to describe the act of dining, particularly the main meal of the day. LSJ emphasizes that Deipnéō was associated with the social aspect of eating, where meals were opportunities for social interaction and bonding. The lexicon also notes that Deipnéō could be used in both literal and metaphorical senses, depending on the context.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deipnéō as “to sup” or “to dine,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe both the physical act of eating and the spiritual or communal implications of shared meals. The concordance notes that Deipnéō is particularly significant in passages where the act of dining represents fellowship, community, or divine communion.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deipnéō appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to dining, social interaction, and communal activities.

1. Homer in “The Odyssey” uses Deipnéō to describe the act of feasting, particularly in scenes where meals are shared among companions or guests, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and fellowship.
2. Plato in “The Symposium” employs Deipnéō in the context of a dinner party where philosophical discussions take place, highlighting the combination of dining and intellectual exchange. The meal serves as a backdrop for deeper conversation and the sharing of ideas.
3. Xenophon in “Anabasis” uses Deipnéō to describe the soldiers’ communal meals, where eating together strengthens camaraderie and unity among the troops. The act of dining is depicted as both a practical necessity and a means of fostering group cohesion.

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Summary

Deipnéō (pronounced dayp-NEH-oh, δειπνέω) is a Greek verb meaning “to dine” or “to take supper.” Derived from δεῖπνον (deîpnon), which refers to the main meal of the day, Deipnéō emphasizes not only the act of eating but also the social and relational aspects of dining. In the New Testament, Deipnéō is used in contexts that highlight both the physical act of eating and the spiritual or communal significance of shared meals, as seen in passages like Luke 17:8 and Revelation 3:20. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the importance of Deipnéō in both literal and metaphorical senses, highlighting its role in fostering fellowship, community, and even divine communion. In classical Greek literature, Deipnéō is often associated with the social interactions that occur during meals, reflecting its broader cultural significance as a time for building relationships and sharing experiences. The word Deipnéō underscores the multifaceted nature of dining, where the act of eating is intertwined with the nurturing of social and spiritual bonds.