Sacred Fellowship: τρύβλιον (Strong’s G5165: trublion) Reveals Betrayal’s Pain

Strong’s G5165: A neuter noun meaning “dish” or “bowl,” trublion appears in the narrative of Jesus’ Last Supper, specifically in identifying His betrayer. Its usage emphasizes the intimate fellowship context that made Judas’s betrayal particularly painful.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρύβλιον (trublion) refers to a deep dish or bowl used for serving food, particularly in communal meals. In the New Testament, it appears specifically in the Last Supper narrative, where Jesus identifies His betrayer as one who dips with Him in the dish. The shared bowl symbolized intimate fellowship, making the betrayal even more poignant. The early church fathers often referenced τρύβλιον when discussing both fellowship and betrayal in Christian community. Today, this word continues to remind believers about the sacred nature of Christian fellowship and the serious nature of betraying trust.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρύβλιον, trublion, TROOB-lee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: τρύ (TROOB) + βλι (lee) + ον (on)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: τρύω (truo) meaning “to wear down/hollow out”
• Suffix: -ιον (-ion) diminutive ending
• Basic meaning: “small hollowed vessel”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “dish”
• Deep bowl
• Serving vessel
• Common dish

For compound words: Not applicable as τρύβλιον is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “dish” – Basic meaning
2. “bowl” – Modern equivalent
3. “serving dish” – Functional meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

πίναξ (pinax) [PEE-naks] – plate/platter – See G4094
σκεῦος (skeuos) [SKYOO-os] – vessel – See G4632
ποτήριον (poterion) [po-TAY-ree-on] – cup – See G4221

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρύβλιον (subject)
• Genitive: τρυβλίου (possession)
• Dative: τρυβλίῳ (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρύβλιον (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide insight into τρύβλιον’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in communal dining contexts. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from common dishware to symbolic significance. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for various types of serving vessels. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in the Last Supper narrative. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in household inventories.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl [τρυβλίον] with me will betray me.'” Matthew 26:23

Additional References:
Mark 14:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρύβλιον powerfully illustrates both the intimacy of Christian fellowship and the pain of betrayal. Its appearance in the Last Supper narrative highlights how sharing meals created bonds that made betrayal particularly grievous. Yet through this very act of betrayal, we see God’s redemptive purpose unfold, as the Messiah’s sacrifice at the Last Supper established the new covenant. Through τρύβλιον, we’re reminded of both the preciousness of Christian fellowship and God’s power to bring good even from betrayal.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρύβλιον was commonly used in Passover celebrations
2. Sharing from a common dish indicated close friendship
3. Archaeological examples show these were often large enough for multiple people to access

Strong’s G5165: A neuter noun meaning “dish” or “bowl,” trublion appears in the narrative of Jesus’ Last Supper, specifically in identifying His betrayer. Its usage emphasizes the intimate fellowship context that made Judas’s betrayal particularly painful.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: dish, bowl, Last Supper, betrayal, fellowship, communion, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, Passover, meals, community​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​