Brief Overview of πόσις (Strong’s G4213: posis)

Strong’s G4213: A noun meaning “drink” or “drinking,” derived from pinō (to drink). In New Testament usage, appears in Jesus’ discourse about His blood being true drink, and in Paul’s discussion of Christian liberty regarding food and drink. Carries both literal and sacramental significance.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πόσις represents both the act of drinking and that which is drunk. In the New Testament, it appears most significantly in Jesus’ teaching about His blood being “true drink,” establishing profound eucharistic theology. Paul also uses it when discussing Christian freedom regarding consumption. Early church writers extensively employed this term in sacramental discussions and teachings about Christian liberty. Today, it continues to inform our understanding of both physical and spiritual nourishment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πόσις, posis, PO-sis
• Detailed pronunciation: POH-sis (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πίνω (pinō) – to drink
• -σις (-sis) – action noun suffix
• Indicates both action and result

D – Defining Meanings

• Drinking (the act)
• Drink (the substance)
• Beverage

Translation Options:

• “Drink” – encompasses both act and substance
• “Drinking” – emphasizes the action
• “Beverage” – emphasizes the substance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πόμα (poma, POH-ma) – drink, draught – See G4188
• πότος (potos, POH-tos) – drinking bout – See G4224
• συμπόσιον (symposion, sim-POH-see-on) – drinking party – See G4849

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Feminine
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 3rd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: πόσις
• Genitive: πόσεως
• Dative: πόσει
• Accusative: πόσιν

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πίνω (to drink)
• Related adjective: πότιμος (drinkable)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and spiritual meanings. Thayer’s notes its use in sacramental contexts. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its significance in John’s Gospel. Strong’s connects it to basic sustenance. LEH notes Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 6:55: “For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is [πόσις] drink indeed.”

Additional References:
Romans 14:17
Colossians 2:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πόσις bridges physical and spiritual realities. From Jesus’ declaration of His blood as true drink to Paul’s teachings on Christian freedom, it reminds us that Christ provides both physical and spiritual sustenance. This word proclaims that in Jesus we find the ultimate satisfaction for our deepest thirsts.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts discussing proper hydration.
2. Early liturgical texts used this term in eucharistic prayers.
3. It influenced development of Christian teaching about fasting and feasting.

Strong’s G4213: A noun meaning “drink” or “drinking,” derived from pinō (to drink). In New Testament usage, appears in Jesus’ discourse about His blood being true drink, and in Paul’s discussion of Christian liberty regarding food and drink. Carries both literal and sacramental significance.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: drink, drinking, eucharist, sustenance, Christian liberty, John’s Gospel, Paul’s epistles, sacraments, nourishment, spiritual food​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​