Brief Overview of σιτιστός (Strong’s G4619: sitistos)

Strong’s G4619: An adjective meaning “fattened” or “grain-fed,” specifically referring to livestock prepared for feasting. Used in Matthew’s parable of the wedding feast, representing God’s abundant provision and the richness of His kingdom banquet.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σιτιστός captures the image of specially prepared animals for significant celebrations, particularly in the context of royal or wedding feasts. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ parable of the wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14), where it symbolizes the lavish provision of God’s kingdom. The early church understood this word as representing the spiritual abundance and celebration in God’s presence. Today, it continues to remind us of the magnificent feast God has prepared for His people.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σιτιστός, sitistos, si-tis-TOS
• Detailed Pronunciation: σι (see) τι (tee) στός (stos) – stress on final syllable
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

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

D – Defining Meanings

• Grain-fed
• Fattened for slaughter
• Prepared for feasting

For compound words:

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

Translation Options:

• Fatted – traditional translation emphasizing the end result
• Grain-fed – highlighting the specific means of preparation
• Fattened livestock – providing fuller context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σιτευτός (siteutos, si-teu-TOS) – See G4618: Similar meaning but different form
• θρεπτός (threptos, THREP-tos) – See G2306: Nourished or fed
• παχύς (pachys, pa-KHUS) – See G3975: Fat or thick

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Various (appears in Nominative Plural in NT)
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Can be Masculine, Feminine, or Neuter
• Functions as a verbal adjective

The word follows regular Greek adjectival patterns, agreeing with its noun in case, number, and gender.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG notes its specific use in describing animals prepared for feasts. Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to grain feeding. LSJ documents its use in agricultural and culinary contexts. Vine’s highlights its appearance in Matthew’s wedding feast parable. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its use in household accounts for special occasions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 22:4: “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and [fattened cattle] [σιτιστός] have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'”

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σιτιστός reminds us of the extraordinary feast God has prepared in His kingdom. Just as the king in the parable prepared the finest food for the wedding feast, our King Jesus has prepared an abundant celebration for His people. This word proclaims the good news that God’s kingdom is like a magnificent banquet where all are invited to partake of His lavish provision.

D – Did You Know?

• Only appears once in the New Testament
• Specifically refers to animals fattened with grain, not just any fattened animal
• Was a technical term in ancient agricultural and culinary contexts

Strong’s G4619: An adjective meaning “fattened” or “grain-fed,” specifically referring to livestock prepared for feasting. Used in Matthew’s parable of the wedding feast, representing God’s abundant provision and the richness of His kingdom banquet.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: feasting, banquet, wedding-feast, parables, kingdom-of-god, preparation, abundance, celebration, livestock, provision, invitation, matthew​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​