Deîpnon (pronounced DAYP-non, δεῖπνον) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1173. The word Deîpnon refers to the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. The term is derived from the Greek verb δειπνέω (deipnéō), which means “to dine” or “to take supper.” Deîpnon was an important part of daily life in ancient Greek culture, not only as a time for eating but also as a significant social event where people gathered for fellowship, conversation, and the sharing of experiences.

Deîpnon primarily refers to the evening meal, which was often the largest and most significant meal of the day. It was a time when families and communities would come together to eat, relax, and engage in discussions. In the New Testament, Deîpnon is used in contexts that highlight both the physical act of eating and the spiritual or communal significance of shared meals, particularly in the context of the Last Supper and other communal gatherings.

Scripture References

1. Luke 14:16-17: “But he said to him, ‘A man once gave a great banquet (δεῖπνον, deîpnon) and invited many. And at the time for the banquet (δεῖπνον, deîpnon), he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.”‘”. In this parable, Deîpnon is used to describe a banquet, symbolizing the kingdom of God and the invitation to partake in it.
2. John 13:2: “During supper (δείπνου, deîpnou), when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him.” Here, Deîpnon refers to the Last Supper, the final meal Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion.
3. 1 Corinthians 11:20: “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper (δεῖπνον, deîpnon) that you eat.” In this verse, Deîpnon refers to the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing the communal and spiritual aspects of the meal shared by believers in remembrance of Christ.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Deîpnon is defined as “the principal meal” or “supper,” typically eaten in the evening. BDAG emphasizes that Deîpnon was more than just a time for eating; it was an important social event where people gathered to build relationships, discuss matters of importance, and share in communal life. The lexicon highlights that Deîpnon is often used in the New Testament to symbolize deeper spiritual realities, such as the fellowship of believers and the anticipation of the heavenly banquet.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Deîpnon as “supper” or “the chief meal,” focusing on its cultural significance in ancient Greek society. Thayer’s points out that Deîpnon was a time for relaxation and fellowship after the day’s work was done. The lexicon notes that in the New Testament, Deîpnon is used both literally and metaphorically, particularly in relation to the Last Supper and the eschatological banquet in the kingdom of God.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Deîpnon, noting its use in classical Greek literature to describe the main meal of the day, usually taken in the evening. LSJ emphasizes that Deîpnon was associated with hospitality, social interaction, and the maintenance of community bonds. The term could also be used metaphorically to describe gatherings of people for purposes other than eating, where the emphasis was on fellowship and shared experience.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Deîpnon as “supper” or “feast,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe both the literal evening meal and the symbolic meals that represent spiritual fellowship, such as the Lord’s Supper. The concordance notes that Deîpnon is a key term in understanding the communal and eschatological aspects of Christian worship and fellowship.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Deîpnon appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to dining, hospitality, and social interaction.

1. Homer in “The Odyssey” uses Deîpnon to describe the evening meal shared by Odysseus and his companions, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and the bonds formed through shared meals.
2. Plato in “The Symposium” employs Deîpnon in the context of a banquet 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 “The Memorabilia” uses Deîpnon to describe the communal meals shared by Socrates and his followers, where food and drink were accompanied by discussions on virtue, ethics, and the good life.

Summary

Deîpnon (pronounced DAYP-non, δεῖπνον) is a Greek noun meaning “supper” or “the principal meal,” typically eaten in the evening. Derived from the verb δειπνέω (deipnéō), which means “to dine,” Deîpnon emphasizes both the act of eating and the social and communal aspects of dining. In the New Testament, Deîpnon is used in contexts that highlight both the physical act of eating and the spiritual significance of shared meals, such as the Last Supper and the Lord’s Supper. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the importance of Deîpnon in both literal and metaphorical senses, highlighting its role in fostering fellowship, community, and even eschatological anticipation. In classical Greek literature, Deîpnon is often associated with hospitality, social interaction, and the nurturing of community bonds, reflecting its broader cultural significance as a time for building relationships and sharing experiences. The word Deîpnon underscores the multifaceted nature of dining, where the act of eating is intertwined with the nurturing of social and spiritual connections.