Divine Nourishment: ψωμίζω (Strong’s G5595: psomizo) Feeds Both Friend and Foe
Strong’s G5595: From psomos (morsel), psomizo means to feed by hand, particularly giving morsels to another. Derived from the practice of feeding bread to children or dependents, it evolved to represent any act of feeding or nourishing others, especially in contexts of care or charity.
U- Unveiling the Word
Psomizo represents a deeply personal act of feeding or nourishing others, originating from the practice of hand-feeding small morsels of food. In the New Testament, it carries profound theological significance, particularly in Romans 12:20 where it embodies Christian love toward enemies. This word transcends mere physical sustenance, symbolizing spiritual nourishment and radical hospitality. The early church understood this term as exemplifying Christ-like compassion, feeding both body and soul. Today, it continues to challenge believers to demonstrate practical love, even to adversaries.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: ψωμίζω, psomizo, /pso-MI-zo/
- Detailed pronunciation: psō-mē’-zō (emphasize second syllable)
- Part of Speech: Verb
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Etymology:
- ψωμός (psomos) – morsel, bit of bread
- -ίζω (-izo) – causative verb suffix meaning “to make” or “to cause”
D – Defining Meanings
- To feed by hand
- To give morsels to
- To nourish or sustain others
For compound words:
psomos (morsel) + -izo (causative suffix) = to cause to receive morsels
Translation Options:
- “to feed by hand” – captures the personal nature of the action
- “to give morsels to” – emphasizes the bit-by-bit nature
- “to nourish” – broader application of the feeding concept
E – Exploring Similar Words
τρέφω (trepho, /TREH-fo/) – general feeding/nourishing See G5142
βόσκω (bosko, /BOS-ko/) – to tend/feed animals See G1006
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Verb Features:
- Present Active Indicative
- First Person Singular
- Aspect: Progressive/Continuous
The word changes form based on:
- Person (I, you, he/she/it)
- Number (singular/plural)
- Tense (present, future, aorist)
Example: ψωμίζω (I feed) → ψωμίζεις (you feed) → ψωμίζει (he/she/it feeds)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexicons unanimously emphasize the personal nature of psomizo. BDAG highlights its evolution from specifically feeding bread to general nourishment. Thayer’s notes its connection to charitable acts. LSJ provides classical examples of feeding dependents. Vine’s emphasizes the morsel-by-morsel nature of the feeding. Strong’s connects it to practical Christian love. LEH and Moulton-Milligan document its use in papyri regarding care for the needy and children.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed [ψωμίζω] him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
Additional References:
1 Corinthians 13:3
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: Memorabilia | “The mother feeding [ψωμίζω] her infant with small morsels” |
| Aristophanes: Knights | “The nurse feeding [ψωμίζω] the sick man bit by bit” |
| Plutarch: Lives | “The servant feeding [ψωμίζω] the elderly master with care” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
Psomizo embodies the intimate act of nourishing others, reflecting God’s personal care for humanity. Its usage in Romans 12:20 dramatically illustrates Christian love by commanding believers to feed their enemies. This radical command echoes Jesus’s teaching about loving enemies and demonstrates how practical care can overcome hostility. The good news shines through this word, showing how Christ’s love transforms relationships and calls us to tangible expressions of grace.
D – Did You Know?
- The word originally referred specifically to feeding bread to small children
- It appears in ancient medical texts describing care for invalids
- Early Christians used this term to describe their charitable feeding programs
Strong’s G5595: A verb denoting the act of feeding others by hand, particularly giving morsels. Derived from psomos (morsel), it signifies personal care in nourishing others, especially in contexts of charity or familial duty. Used metaphorically for spiritual nourishment and practical Christian love.
Part of speech: Verb
Tags: feeding, nourishment, charity, enemy-love, care, hospitality, practical-love, Christian-duty, mercy, compassion
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