Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words is a crucial aspect of biblical studies, as it allows us to capture the original meaning and context of the scriptures. The Greek noun κρέας (kreas) is particularly significant in the New Testament for its reference to “meat” or “flesh.” It first appears in Romans 14:21, where it is used in the context of dietary practices among early Christians. This word sheds light on early Christian debates over food, cultural practices, and moral choices. Moreover, κρέας provides a window into ancient Greek culture, where meat consumption was a topic intertwined with religious rituals, social status, and ethical considerations.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κρέας (kreas) [KREH-as]
Etymology: The word κρέας has no known Greek root beyond its use in classical and Hellenistic Greek to denote “meat” or “flesh.” It often referred to edible flesh, particularly that of animals. This term was used in various contexts, from everyday meals to sacrificial offerings, highlighting its broad application.
Join the coffee club to enjoy an ad-free experience and add your voice to this discussion.
Part of Speech: Noun. κρέας is a neuter noun of the third declension. It is typically used in the singular or plural form, depending on the context, to refer to meat or flesh as a substance.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
Meat or Flesh: The primary meaning of κρέας is “meat” or “flesh,” usually in reference to animal flesh used for food. In the New Testament, this meaning often carries moral and ethical implications, particularly regarding dietary laws and practices among early Christians.
Edible Flesh: κρέας can also be understood more specifically as “edible flesh,” distinguishing it from the broader concept of flesh, which could refer to human or animal bodies in a different sense.
Exploring Similar Words
σάρξ (sarx) [sarx]: This word means “flesh,” but it is broader in scope than κρέας. While σάρξ can refer to the physical body, human nature, or moral weakness, κρέας is specifically used for animal flesh that is consumed as food.
βρῶμα (brōma) [BRO-mah]: Meaning “food” in general, βρῶμα is a more generic term that includes all kinds of food, not just meat. It can refer to any consumable item, whereas κρέας specifically denotes meat.
κρέανος (kreatnos) [KREH-at-nos]: This rare word also refers to a “piece of meat” or “flesh,” similar to κρέας, but is less commonly used and lacks the broader cultural and scriptural implications of κρέας.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κρέας is a neuter noun of the third declension. It appears in both singular and plural forms and is used in various cases, including nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative.
Declension: The declension of κρέας follows the pattern for third-declension neuter nouns:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κρέας | κρέα |
| Genitive | κρέως | κρεῶν |
| Dative | κρέατι | κρέασι(ν) |
| Accusative | κρέας | κρέα |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
The noun κρέας is uniformly recognized across Greek lexicons as referring to “meat” or “flesh,” particularly that which is consumed as food. In the New Testament, κρέας appears in discussions about food and dietary practices, as seen in Romans 14:21. Here, Paul addresses the issue of eating meat and drinking wine in the context of community harmony and the potential for causing a weaker brother to stumble. This reflects broader cultural and theological considerations in early Christianity about what is permissible for consumption. In classical Greek literature, κρέας is frequently mentioned in contexts ranging from domestic meals to sacrificial rituals, underscoring its importance in both daily life and religious observance. Theologically, the term captures the tension between liberty and love, as well as the cultural norms of the time.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Romans 14:21: “It is good neither to eat meat (κρέας), nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
1 Corinthians 8:13: “Wherefore, if meat (κρέας) make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Odyssey | “They feasted on bread and κρέας (meat), and drank wine.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The offering was completed with fruits and κρέας (flesh) of animals.” |
| Plato | Republic | “One must avoid κρέας (meat) if seeking simplicity in diet.” |
| Septuagint | Leviticus (LXX) | “He shall burn the fat and the κρέας (meat) upon the altar.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Samuel (LXX) | “And they ate the κρέας (flesh) that was sacrificed.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah (LXX) | “All flesh is as grass; and all its κρέας (meat) as the flower of the field.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κρέας (kreas) is essential for understanding dietary practices, ethical considerations, and cultural dynamics in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, it is specifically used to discuss the consumption of meat within the framework of Christian liberty and community ethics. Classical Greek literature and the Septuagint also frequently use κρέας to describe meat in contexts ranging from domestic meals to religious rituals. Recognizing its usage helps in comprehending how food, morality, and religious practice intersected in ancient Greek and Jewish traditions.
Did You Know?
Did you know? The word κρέας appears frequently in both the Septuagint and the New Testament to address the social and spiritual implications of eating meat, particularly concerning purity laws and community conduct.
Did you know? In ancient Greek culture, the consumption of κρέας was often a privilege of the wealthy, as most ordinary citizens relied more on grains, vegetables, and fish for sustenance.
Did you know? The Greek concept of κρέας also plays a role in modern discussions on ethics and diet, especially in Christian contexts where passages like Romans 14:21 are considered when discussing vegetarianism and communal sensitivity.
This page is made possible by the generosity of coffee club members. Your support keeps spiritual truth free and ad-free for all seekers of wisdom. Thank you and I would like to pray this blessing on you.
