from the base of βιβρώσκω; food (literally or figuratively), especially (ceremonially) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law:--meat, victuals.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βρῶμα (brōma), transliterated as "broma," derives from the base of the verb βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō), meaning "to eat." Its fundamental meaning is "food" or "that which is eaten." This can encompass both literal, physical sustenance and, significantly, figurative or metaphorical "food." A crucial aspect of its semantic range, particularly within the New Testament, is its application to articles of food that were either permitted or forbidden under the ceremonial laws of Judaism. Thus, βρῶμα often carries a connotation of dietary regulations or distinctions, highlighting its role in discussions of ritual purity and religious observance. Unlike βρῶσις (brōsis) `{{G1035}}`, which can refer to the act of eating, the food itself, or even decay, βρῶμα consistently denotes the *object* of consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
βρῶμα appears 17 times in the New Testament, frequently in contexts that challenge or re-evaluate the significance of food laws.
In [[John 4:32]], Jesus tells his disciples, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about," later clarifying that His "food" is to do the will of the Father ([[John 4:34]]). Here, βρῶμα is used figuratively to represent spiritual nourishment and purpose, contrasting sharply with physical sustenance.
The Pauline epistles extensively use βρῶμα in discussions concerning Christian liberty and the conscience, particularly regarding food offered to idols or adherence to Mosaic dietary laws. In [[Romans 14:15]], Paul warns against destroying a brother for the sake of food, emphasizing love over the exercise of freedom. Similarly, [[Romans 14:20]] states, "Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food." The implication is that βρῶμα, in itself, is morally neutral ([[1 Corinthians 8:8]]), but its consumption can become an issue if it causes a weaker brother to stumble or violate his conscience ([[1 Corinthians 8:13]]). This highlights a shift from external adherence to internal conviction and love.
In [[1 Corinthians 6:13]], Paul states, "Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them." This verse underscores the temporary and perishable nature of physical food, contrasting it with the enduring spiritual realities of the kingdom.
[[Colossians 2:16]] explicitly addresses the abrogation of Old Covenant dietary laws: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." Here, βρῶμα is directly linked to the ceremonial regulations that are no longer binding for believers in Christ, serving as a "shadow of what is to come" ([[Colossians 2:17]]).
The Epistle to the Hebrews also employs βρῶμα to distinguish between Old Covenant practices and the New Covenant's spiritual realities. [[Hebrews 9:10]] describes the Mosaic Law's regulations as "only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order." This reinforces the temporary and preparatory nature of these laws. Furthermore, [[Hebrews 13:9]] warns, "Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited." This verse directly contrasts reliance on external observances (represented by "foods") with the true spiritual nourishment found in God's grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological root of βρῶμα is the verb βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō), "to eat." Other related terms and concepts include:
* **βρῶσις (brōsis) `{{G1035}}`**: While closely related, βρῶσις can refer to the act of eating, the food itself, or even decay/rust. βρῶμα specifically denotes the *thing eaten*.
* **τροφή (trophē) `{{G5160}}`**: A more general term for nourishment or sustenance.
* **ἄρτος (artos) `{{G740}}`**: Bread, a staple food, often used to symbolize sustenance.
* **σίτος (sitos) `{{G4621}}`**: Grain, corn.
* **Διατροφή (diatrophē)**: Sustenance, livelihood.
Concepts closely associated with βρῶμα in the New Testament include:
* **Dietary Laws**: The Old Testament regulations concerning clean and unclean foods (e.g., Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14).
* **Christian Liberty**: The freedom believers have in Christ from legalistic observances, balanced by love for others.
* **Conscience**: The internal moral compass that guides a believer's actions, particularly in matters not explicitly commanded or forbidden.
* **Spiritual vs. Physical Nourishment**: The distinction between earthly, perishable food and the eternal, life-giving "food" of God's will and word.
* **The Law vs. Grace**: βρῶμα often appears in contexts that underscore the transition from the external, ritualistic demands of the Mosaic Law to the internal, grace-based reality of the New Covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βρῶμα is profound, primarily reflecting the New Testament's re-orientation from external ritual to internal spiritual reality.
Firstly, βρῶμα serves as a key term in articulating the **obsolescence of Old Covenant ceremonial laws** under the New Covenant. Passages like [[Colossians 2:16]] and [[Hebrews 9:10]] explicitly state that the dietary regulations, once central to Jewish identity and worship, are no longer binding for believers in Christ. These "foods" were but a shadow, pointing to the substance found in Christ. This liberation from food laws underscores the universality of the Gospel, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile.
Secondly, the word highlights the critical New Testament emphasis on **Christian liberty balanced by love**. While believers are free from the legalistic observance of dietary rules, the use of βρῶμα in [[Romans 14]] and [[1 Corinthians 8]] emphasizes that this freedom must not be exercised in a way that causes a weaker brother to stumble or violate his conscience. The principle of love and edification takes precedence over the assertion of one's rights. Food itself is not inherently good or evil; its moral significance lies in its impact on relationships and conscience.
Thirdly, βρῶμα is employed to draw a crucial distinction between **physical and spiritual nourishment**. Jesus' declaration in [[John 4:32-34]] reveals that true "food" is found in obedience to God's will and participation in His redemptive work. This elevates the spiritual realm above the merely physical, teaching that genuine life and satisfaction come not from earthly provisions but from divine purpose and grace.
Finally, the contrast between "foods" and "grace" in [[Hebrews 13:9]] encapsulates a core theological truth: **spiritual strength and growth come through grace, not through adherence to external rituals or legalistic observances.** This passage serves as a powerful reminder that true faith is not sustained by physical or ceremonial "foods" but by the transformative power of God's unmerited favor.
### Summary
The Greek word βρῶμα (brōma) fundamentally denotes "food" or "that which is eaten," encompassing both literal sustenance and figurative applications. Its usage in the New Testament is particularly significant for understanding the shift from Old Covenant ceremonial laws to New Covenant spiritual realities. βρῶμα frequently appears in discussions that highlight the abrogation of Mosaic dietary regulations, emphasizing that salvation and righteousness are not contingent upon external observances. Furthermore, the term is central to the New Testament's teaching on Christian liberty, underscoring that while believers are free from such laws, the exercise of this freedom must always be tempered by love and consideration for the conscience of others. Ultimately, βρῶμα serves to distinguish between perishable physical nourishment and the enduring spiritual "food" found in doing God's will and being strengthened by His grace, thereby pointing believers towards a deeper, Christ-centered faith.
TRV