Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the original meanings and contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word ἐσθίω (esthiō) is particularly significant because it means “to eat.” This word appears frequently in the New Testament, capturing moments from daily life as well as theological teachings about sustenance, communion, and spiritual nourishment. By examining the use of ἐσθίω, one can better understand the cultural practices of ancient Greek society and the symbolic meanings of eating in Biblical contexts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐσθίω (esthiō) [es-THEE-oh]
• Etymology: Likely derived from the root ἔδω (edō), meaning “to eat” or “to consume.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; irregular.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To eat: Refers to the act of consuming food.
• To consume: Implies devouring or taking in sustenance.
• To partake: Used in contexts of sharing a meal or participating in communal eating.

Similar Words: φάγω (phagō) [FA-go] is another Greek word meaning “to eat.” While φάγω is often used in a more general sense for eating or consuming, ἐσθίω (esthiō) has specific forms and uses that might suggest regular or habitual eating rather than a single instance.

Further Insights: ἐσθίω (esthiō) is an irregular verb in Greek. It has multiple forms across different tenses, making it one of the more complex verbs to conjugate. Below is a table showing some of the principal parts of ἐσθίω:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐσθίω is defined as “to eat” or “to consume.” BDAG highlights its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. It appears frequently in passages discussing the sharing of meals, the Last Supper, and spiritual teachings about “eating” the body of Christ.

Thayer’s: Lists ἐσθίω as “to eat, consume,” and it emphasizes its role in both literal eating and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s points to instances in the New Testament where eating symbolizes fellowship, communion, and even judgment.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἐσθίω as meaning “to eat” and discusses its usage in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where meals signify fellowship, divine provision, or the Eucharist.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐσθίω as “to eat” and provides examples from classical Greek literature where the word is used to describe not only human eating but also the feeding habits of animals and symbolic consumption.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐσθίω as “to eat” or “to partake,” highlighting its frequent appearances in the Gospels where it describes physical eating and metaphorical consumption, such as the bread of life.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 9:11: “And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘Why does your Teacher eat [ἐσθίει] with tax collectors and sinners?'”
• John 6:54: “Whoever eats [ἐσθίων] my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
• Luke 14:15: “When one of those who reclined at table with him heard these things, he said to him, ‘Blessed is everyone who will eat [ἐσθίει] bread in the kingdom of God!'”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἐσθίω (G2068)

In summary, ἐσθίω (esthiō) is a Greek verb meaning “to eat” or “to consume.” It appears frequently in the New Testament, often in contexts that emphasize communal meals, spiritual teachings, and the symbolic act of eating, particularly in the context of the Eucharist or fellowship meals. The term also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it is used to describe both literal eating and metaphorical consumption, providing insights into the cultural and spiritual values of the time.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἐσθίω (esthiō) forms the basis for many modern English words related to eating and consumption, such as “esophagus” (the part of the digestive tract that food passes through)? This connection underscores how ancient language continues to shape our understanding of human physiology and culture.