Divine Provision: τροφή (Strong’s G5160: trophe) Reveals God’s Sustenance

Strong’s G5160: A feminine noun meaning “food” or “nourishment,” trophe emphasizes sustenance and provision. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting both physical and spiritual nourishment, often demonstrating God’s faithful provision for His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τροφή (trophe) fundamentally refers to food and nourishment, but carries deeper significance in Scripture regarding God’s provision. It appears in contexts ranging from John the Baptist’s wilderness diet to Jesus’ teaching about anxiety and divine care. The word emphasizes not just food itself but the entire concept of sustenance and provision. The early church fathers frequently used τροφή when discussing both physical and spiritual nourishment, seeing parallels between God’s material and spiritual provision. Today, this word continues to remind believers of God’s comprehensive care for both body and soul.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τροφή, trophe, tro-FAY
• Detailed pronunciation: τρο (tro) + φή (FAY)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρέφω (trepho) meaning “to nourish”
• Suffix: -η (-e) forming abstract noun
• Basic meaning: “nourishment”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “food”
• Nourishment
• Sustenance
• Provision

For compound words: Not applicable as τροφή is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “food” – Basic physical meaning
2. “nourishment” – Broader concept
3. “sustenance” – Complete provision meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

βρῶμα (broma) [BROH-mah] – food/meat – See G1033
σιτίον (sition) [see-TEE-on] – grain/food – See G4621
ἄρτος (artos) [AR-tos] – bread – See G740

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τροφή (subject)
• Genitive: τροφῆς (possession)
• Dative: τροφῇ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τροφήν (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τροφή’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its broad meaning encompassing all forms of nourishment. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from physical food to broader concepts of provision. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for various types of sustenance. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly regarding divine provision. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in daily life contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“His food [τροφή] was locusts and wild honey.” Matthew 3:4

Additional References:
Matthew 6:25, Matthew 10:10, Acts 2:46, Acts 14:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τροφή beautifully illustrates God’s comprehensive provision for His people. From John the Baptist’s wilderness sustenance to Jesus’ teachings about trusting God’s care, it reminds us that our Father provides for both physical and spiritual needs. This promotes the good news by showing that the same God who feeds the birds of the air cares infinitely more for His children, providing not only daily bread but also the Bread of Life, Jesus the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. τροφή is related to modern medical terms about nutrition
2. It appears in ancient medical texts about proper diet
3. Early Christians used it metaphorically for spiritual teaching

Strong’s G5160: A feminine noun meaning “food” or “nourishment,” trophe emphasizes sustenance and provision. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting both physical and spiritual nourishment, often demonstrating God’s faithful provision for His people.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: food, nourishment, provision, sustenance, divine care, physical needs, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, God’s provision, daily bread, nutrition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​