1. Overview

βιβρώσκω (bibrṓskō, pronounced bee-BROH-skoh) is a Greek verb that primarily means “to eat” or “to consume.” The word is derived from the root word bibrō, which carries the same basic meaning. In the context of ancient Greek, bibrṓskō is often used to describe the physical act of eating or devouring food, whether by humans or animals. It can also imply consumption in a more figurative sense, such as the destruction of something by consuming it entirely.

2. Detailed Description

In the BDAG lexicon, bibrṓskō is defined simply as “to eat” or “to consume,” with a focus on its literal usage. BDAG emphasizes that the word is used in contexts where the physical act of eating is central, often involving the consumption of food or sustenance. While bibrṓskō is not one of the more commonly used verbs in the New Testament, it still appears in contexts that relate to nourishment or the act of feeding.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also describes bibrṓskō as meaning “to eat” or “to devour,” noting that the word can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses. Thayer’s highlights that the word is sometimes used to describe animals eating or devouring their prey, as well as humans partaking in a meal. This lexicon also mentions that bibrṓskō can imply a more forceful or aggressive act of consumption, particularly in metaphorical contexts where something is being consumed or destroyed.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words provides additional insights into bibrṓskō, agreeing with the primary definition of “to eat.” Vine’s notes that the word is typically used in straightforward, literal contexts but can also be found in more figurative language, especially in classical literature where consumption might symbolize destruction or complete absorption.

The LSJ lexicon (Liddell-Scott-Jones) further expands on the classical usage of bibrṓskō, indicating that the term was widely used in ancient Greek to describe eating, especially in texts that deal with daily life, feasting, or even sacrificial rites. LSJ also notes that the word could be employed in a metaphorical sense, where it might describe the act of something being completely used up or absorbed, whether that be food, resources, or even a person’s energy.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Bibrṓskō appears in a variety of classical Greek texts, where it is used to describe both literal and figurative acts of consumption:

1. Homer’s Odyssey: In this epic, bibrṓskō is used to describe the act of feasting, where characters eat and drink during their journey. The word illustrates the importance of food and sustenance in the narrative, both as a necessity for survival and as a cultural practice.
2. Herodotus’s Histories: Herodotus uses bibrṓskō in a context where animals are depicted as devouring their prey. This usage highlights the word’s application in describing the natural behavior of animals, especially in scenes where predatory actions are detailed.
3. Aristophanes’s Plays: In comedic contexts, Aristophanes employs bibrṓskō to describe gluttonous eating or overindulgence. This usage is often meant to satirize characters who are depicted as excessively greedy or indulgent in their appetites.

These examples from classical Greek literature demonstrate the versatility of bibrṓskō in conveying both literal eating and broader, more metaphorical acts of consumption.

4. Summary

Βιβρώσκω (bibrṓskō) is a Greek verb primarily meaning “to eat” or “to consume.” Rooted in the broader Greek lexicon, this word is used in various contexts to describe the physical act of eating, whether by humans or animals. In the New Testament, bibrṓskō is a less common verb but still retains its fundamental meaning related to nourishment and consumption.

Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and LSJ all agree on the basic definition of bibrṓskō, while also highlighting its use in both literal and figurative contexts. Classical Greek literature frequently uses this word to describe acts of eating, feasting, and even the metaphorical consumption of resources or energy. Overall, bibrṓskō is a versatile word that conveys essential aspects of nourishment, survival, and the human condition, reflecting its importance in both ancient and biblical texts.