Sacred Sustenance: φάγω (Strong’s G5315: phagō) Nourishes Body and Soul

Strong’s G5315: A primitive verb meaning “to eat,” serving as the aorist form of ἐσθίω. Carries deep theological significance in New Testament usage, particularly in contexts of fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and the Lord’s Supper. Used extensively in teachings about God’s provision and spiritual sustenance.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb φάγω plays a crucial role in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout Scripture. As the aorist form of ἐσθίω, it denotes the simple act of eating, but its significance extends far beyond mere physical sustenance. In the New Testament, it appears in pivotal moments of Jesus’ ministry, from His teachings about trusting God’s provision to the institution of the Lord’s Supper. The early church recognized this word’s deep spiritual implications, particularly in its eucharistic usage, where it connected physical eating with spiritual nourishment. Today, φάγω continues to remind us of both God’s practical provision for our physical needs and the spiritual sustenance we receive through communion with Him, especially in the context of the Lord’s Supper.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φάγω, phagō, fah’-go
• Pronunciation Guide: FAH (as in “father”) + go (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• φαγ- (phag-): primitive root meaning “to eat”
• -ω (-ō): primary verb ending
  A primitive verb that serves as the aorist form of ἐσθίω

D – Defining Meanings

• To eat (physically consuming food)
• To consume or devour
• To partake (especially in spiritual contexts)

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a primitive verb root

Translation Options:

• “To eat” – captures the basic physical action
• “To consume” – emphasizes the complete action aspect of the aorist
• “To partake” – especially appropriate in spiritual or ceremonial contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐσθίω (esthiō, es-thee’-o) – present tense form of “to eat” See G2068
• τρώγω (trōgō, tro’-go) – to gnaw, chew, eat See G5176
• βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō, bib-ro’-sko) – to eat See G977

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Aorist (point action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Example conjugations:

• ἔφαγον – I ate (aorist indicative)
• φάγω – I might eat (aorist subjunctive)
• φάγε – eat! (aorist imperative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide comprehensive insights into φάγω. BDAG emphasizes its function as the aorist of ἐσθίω and its special usage in sacramental contexts. Thayer’s highlights its range from literal eating to metaphorical consumption in spiritual contexts. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek, noting its primitive nature. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its importance in the Lord’s Supper narratives. Strong’s connects it to the concept of consuming or devouring, while Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common usage in everyday contexts from papyri. The LEH shows its consistent use in the Septuagint for Hebrew terms related to eating.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 6:25: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat [φάγω] or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”

Additional References:
Matthew 26:26, John 6:53, Luke 22:15, 1 Corinthians 11:24

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φάγω beautifully captures both physical and spiritual dimensions of eating in Scripture. From Jesus’ teaching about trusting God’s provision to the profound significance of the Lord’s Supper, this word connects our daily need for sustenance with our deeper spiritual hunger. The good news is that King Jesus offers Himself as the bread of life, satisfying our deepest hungers and inviting us to feast at His table. This word reminds us that just as God faithfully provides our daily bread, He also provides the spiritual nourishment we need through communion with His Son.

D – Did You Know?

1. φάγω is one of the most frequently used verbs in the New Testament, appearing in crucial theological contexts.
2. It’s the main verb used in all four Gospel accounts of the Last Supper.
3. The word has contributed to English terms like “phagocyte” (literally “eating cell”).

Strong’s G5315: A primitive verb meaning “to eat,” serving as the aorist form of ἐσθίω. Carries deep theological significance in New Testament usage, particularly in contexts of fellowship, spiritual nourishment, and the Lord’s Supper. Used extensively in teachings about God’s provision and spiritual sustenance.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: eating, food, provision, communion, Lord’s-Supper, sustenance, fellowship, nourishment, bread-of-life, daily-bread, spiritual-food, trust, eucharist, meals, divine-provision​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​