Breaking Bread: ψωμίον (Strong’s G5596: psomion) – Jesus’ Last Supper Symbol

Strong’s G5596: A diminutive of ψωμός (morsel), ψωμίον refers to a small bit or morsel of bread, particularly significant in the context of Jesus’ last supper where it symbolizes intimacy and betrayal. This term carries deep cultural significance in ancient Mediterranean dining customs, where sharing bread represented fellowship and trust.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ψωμίον represents more than just a small piece of bread – it embodies profound theological significance in New Testament fellowship. As a diminutive form, it emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of sharing food in ancient Mediterranean culture. In John 13:26, this word takes on special meaning as Jesus dips the morsel to identify his betrayer, Judas. This act, while showing Jesus’ foreknowledge, also demonstrates his continued extension of fellowship even to the one who would betray him. The early church recognized this term’s connection to both communion and betrayal, seeing in it a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love and the serious nature of fellowship within the body of believers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψωμίον, psomion, /pso-mē’-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: ps as in “psalms,” o as in “go,” mē as in “me,” on as in “on”
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• ψωμός (psomos) – base word meaning “morsel” or “bit”
• -ίον (ion) – diminutive suffix indicating smallness

D – Defining Meanings

• A small morsel or piece of bread
• A small bite-sized portion
• A tidbit used for dipping

For compound words:
The diminutive suffix -ίον added to ψωμός creates a sense of smallness or intimacy

Translation Options:

• “Small morsel” – captures both size and precise meaning
• “Bit of bread” – emphasizes the portion size
• “Morsel” – retains the intimate dining context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄρτος (artos, /ar’-tos/) – general word for bread/loaf See G740
• τροφή (trophē, /trof-ay’/) – food/nourishment See G5160
• κλάσμα (klasma, /klas’-mah/) – broken piece See G2801

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

The word follows standard neuter second declension patterns:

• Nominative: ψωμίον
• Genitive: ψωμίου
• Dative: ψωμίῳ
• Accusative: ψωμίον

Related forms: ψωμίζω (psomizō) – to feed by putting small morsels into the mouth

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical sources provide rich insight into ψωμίον’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its specific usage in dining contexts, while Thayer’s highlights its diminutive nature from ψωμός. LSJ traces its classical usage in Greek literature, noting its common appearance in dining scenarios. Vine’s connects it to fellowship practices in the early church, while Strong’s emphasizes its root meaning. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings confirm its use in everyday contexts of sharing food. Together, these sources paint a picture of a word deeply embedded in both practical dining customs and profound theological symbolism.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 13:26: “Jesus answered, ‘It is the one to whom I will give this piece [ψωμίον] of bread when I have dipped it.’ Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.”

Additional References:
John 13:27, John 13:30

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ψωμίον emerges as a powerful symbol of both intimacy and betrayal in New Testament narrative. Its diminutive form emphasizes the personal nature of sharing food in ancient culture, while its use in John’s gospel creates a poignant moment where Jesus’ divine foreknowledge meets his continued offer of fellowship. This word reminds us that the gospel message includes both warning and welcome – Jesus knows our hearts yet still extends invitation to his table. It demonstrates his sovereignty over betrayal while highlighting his sacrificial love.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears only in John’s gospel, specifically in the betrayal narrative
• In ancient Mediterranean dining, sharing a ψωμίον was a sign of special favor
• The diminutive form was often used in contexts of intimate family meals

Strong’s G5596: A diminutive noun denoting a small morsel or bit of bread, particularly significant in dining contexts. Derived from ψωμός (morsel) with the diminutive suffix -ίον, it carries cultural connotations of intimate fellowship and betrayal, especially in its New Testament usage during the Last Supper narrative.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: bread, morsel, last supper, betrayal, fellowship, dining customs, John’s gospel, Jesus, Judas, communion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​