Brief Overview of προσφάγιον (Strong’s G4371: prosphagion)

Strong’s G4371: A compound noun combining πρός (with) and φαγεῖν (to eat), literally meaning “something eaten with (bread),” particularly referring to fish. Used in the context of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual fellowship.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσφάγιον represents food that accompanies bread, particularly fish in Mediterranean culture. As a compound word, it joins πρός (with) and φαγεῖν (to eat), creating a term for complementary food items. In its New Testament context, particularly in John 21:5, it appears in Jesus’ post-resurrection encounter with His disciples, where the sharing of food becomes a powerful symbol of fellowship and restoration. The early church understood this term as reflecting both physical nourishment and spiritual communion. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s provision and the fellowship He offers through shared meals.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσφάγιον, prosphagion, /pros-FA-gi-on/
• Detailed pronunciation: pros (as in ‘prose’) + fa (as in ‘far’) + gi (as in ‘give’) + on (as in ‘on’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• πρός (pros-) – prefix meaning “with”
• φαγεῖν (phagein) – root verb meaning “to eat”
• -ιον (-ion) – diminutive suffix
  The combination creates a term for food eaten alongside other food.

D – Defining Meanings

• Food eaten with bread
• Fish (as a specific type of accompanying food)
• Relish or side dish

For compound words:
The prefix πρός indicates accompaniment, while the root φαγεῖν contributes the eating aspect, together forming a word for supplementary food items.

Translation Options:

1. “Fish” – Most specific in biblical context
2. “Side dish” – Captures the complementary nature
3. “Accompaniment” – Emphasizes its supporting role in meals

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τροφή (trophē, /tro-FE/) – Food, nourishment
  See G5160
• βρῶμα (brōma, /BRO-ma/) – Food, meat
  See G1033
• ὀψάριον (opsarion, /op-SA-ri-on/) – Small fish
  See G3795

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, προσφάγιον exhibits these morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: προσφάγιον
• Genitive singular: προσφαγίου
• Dative singular: προσφαγίῳ
• Accusative singular: προσφάγιον

Related words in other parts of speech:

• προσφαγεῖν (prosphagein) – verb form meaning “to eat in addition”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific reference to fish in John’s Gospel. Thayer’s notes its broader meaning of food eaten with bread. LSJ provides examples from culinary contexts. Vine’s highlights its unique usage in the post-resurrection narrative. Strong’s emphasizes the compound nature and practical meaning. Moulton and Milligan cite examples from household accounts and shopping lists.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any [προσφάγιον] fish?'” John 21:5

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Athenaeus: Deipnosophistae	“The host provided various [προσφάγιον] side dishes to accompany the bread.”
Xenophon: Memorabilia	“They ate their bread with [προσφάγιον] fish from the nearby stream.”
Plutarch: Moralia	“The simple meal consisted of bread and [προσφάγιον] accompaniments.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσφάγιον beautifully illustrates how Jesus meets both physical and spiritual needs. In the post-resurrection scene, His question about food leads to a miraculous catch and restored fellowship. The good news of King Jesus includes His care for our whole being – body and soul – and His desire to share fellowship with us around His table.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word was commonly used in ancient shopping lists and market contexts.
2. It specifically referred to fish in coastal Mediterranean regions.
3. Early Christian art often depicted this scene using fish as symbols of fellowship.

Strong’s G4371: A compound noun combining πρός (with) and φαγεῖν (to eat), literally meaning “something eaten with (bread),” particularly referring to fish. Used in the context of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance, symbolizing both physical sustenance and spiritual fellowship.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: food, fish, fellowship, provision, meals, accompaniment, sustenance, communion, nourishment, bread​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​