Brief Overview of σιτευτός (Strong’s G4618: siteutos)

Strong’s G4618: An adjective meaning “fattened” or “grain-fed,” specifically used of livestock prepared for special occasions. Used prominently in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, symbolizing the Father’s lavish celebration of His returning child.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σιτευτός carries significant cultural and theological weight in its New Testament usage. As an adjective describing specially prepared, grain-fed animals, it represents the highest quality meat reserved for special celebrations. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the father’s command to kill the fattened calf symbolizes extravagant joy and celebration over a sinner’s return. Early church fathers saw in this word a picture of the abundant provision and celebration in God’s kingdom. Today, it continues to illustrate God’s overwhelming joy and generous response to repentance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιτευτός, siteutos, si-teu-TOS
• Detailed Pronunciation: σι (see) τευ (teu) τός (tos) – stress on final syllable
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: σῖτος (sitos) meaning “grain”
• Verbal adjective suffix -τος indicating completed state
• Related to feeding and nourishing

D – Defining Meanings

• Fattened with grain
• Well-fed
• Prepared for special occasions

For compound words:

• σῖτος (grain) + -ευτός (verbal adjective ending) indicates the completed process of grain feeding

Translation Options:

• Fattened – emphasizing the end result
• Grain-fed – highlighting the specific means of preparation
• Well-fed – focusing on the quality of care

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρέφω (trephō, TREF-o) – See G5142: To nourish or feed
• χορτάζω (chortazō, khor-TAD-zo) – See G5526: To fill or satisfy with food
• πιαίνω (piainō, pi-AI-no) – See G4098: To fatten

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies based on usage (Nominative, Accusative, etc.)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms available
• Functions as a verbal adjective

The word can change endings to agree with the noun it modifies in case, number, and gender, following standard Greek adjectival patterns.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in describing specially prepared animals for feasts. Thayer’s notes its connection to grain feeding specifically. LSJ documents its use in agricultural contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in the Prodigal Son parable. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in household accounts for special occasions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 15:23: “Bring the [fattened] [σιτευτός] calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.”

Additional References:
Luke 15:27, Luke 15:30

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σιτευτός beautifully illustrates God’s extravagant love and celebration over returning sinners. Just as the father spared no expense in celebrating his son’s return with the fattened calf, our heavenly Father lavishly celebrates when His children return to Him. This word reminds us that the gospel isn’t just about forgiveness, but about joining God’s joyous celebration of redemption.

D – Did You Know?

• Grain-fed animals were considered the highest quality meat in ancient times
• The process of fattening an animal took considerable time and resources
• This word appears exclusively in Luke’s Gospel, in the Prodigal Son narrative

Strong’s G4618: An adjective meaning “fattened” or “grain-fed,” specifically used of livestock prepared for special occasions. Used prominently in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, symbolizing the Father’s lavish celebration of His returning child.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: prodigal-son, celebration, feasting, agriculture, animal-husbandry, parables, father’s-love, repentance, joy, abundance, preparation, hospitality​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​