from the base of βιβρώσκω; (abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively):--eating, food, meat.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun βρῶσις (brōsis), Strong's number `{{G1035}}`, derives from the verb βιβρώσκω (bibroskō), meaning "to eat" or "to consume." Its semantic range encompasses both an abstract and a concrete sense. Abstractly, it refers to the "act of eating" or "consumption." Concretely, by extension, it signifies "that which is eaten," or "food" and "sustenance." This duality allows βρῶσις to function in both literal and figurative contexts within the New Testament. It can denote physical nourishment necessary for life, or spiritual sustenance that nourishes the soul. Furthermore, in certain contexts, it can carry a sense of destructive consumption, though this is less prominent in the New Testament usage compared to its primary meanings of eating or food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βρῶσις appears several times in the New Testament, often highlighting a contrast between the temporal and the eternal, or the physical and the spiritual.
In [[John 4:32]], Jesus tells His disciples, "I have food (βρῶσις) to eat that you do not know about." Here, βρῶσις is used figuratively, as Jesus immediately clarifies that His "food" is to do the will of the Father ([[John 4:34]]). This sets a precedent for understanding spiritual priorities over physical ones.
The most significant cluster of occurrences is found in [[John 6]]. In [[John 6:27]], Jesus exhorts the crowd, "Do not labor for the food (βρῶσις) that perishes, but for the food (βρῶσις) that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you." This verse explicitly contrasts perishable physical food with imperishable spiritual food, introducing the theme of Christ as the true sustenance. The ensuing discourse on the Bread of Life further elaborates on this, with Jesus proclaiming Himself as the "bread of life" and speaking of His flesh as "true food" (βρῶσις) in [[John 6:55]]. Here, the concept moves beyond mere metaphor to a profound theological reality concerning spiritual participation in Christ.
In the Pauline epistles, βρῶσις frequently appears in discussions concerning Christian liberty and ethical conduct, particularly regarding food sacrificed to idols. [[Romans 14:17]] famously declares, "For the kingdom of God is not eating (βρῶσις) and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." This statement underscores that the essence of God's kingdom is spiritual, not found in adherence to external regulations or dietary practices, which were often contentious issues in the early church. Similarly, [[1 Corinthians 8:8]] states, "Food (βρῶσις) will not commend us to God." This emphasizes that external practices related to food do not determine one's standing before God, but rather one's love and consideration for weaker believers. [[Colossians 2:16]] also echoes this sentiment, warning against judgment concerning "food (βρῶσις) or drink."
Other occurrences include [[2 Corinthians 9:10]], where God "supplies seed to the sower and bread for food (βρῶσις)," a literal reference to physical provision. In [[Hebrews 12:16]], Esau is described as selling his birthright "for a single meal (βρῶσις)," highlighting the immense spiritual loss incurred for transient physical gratification. Lastly, [[James 2:15-16]] uses βρῶσις in a literal sense, describing a brother or sister "lacking in daily food (βρῶσις)," underscoring the practical responsibility of believers to care for one another's physical needs.
### Related Words & Concepts
βρῶσις is closely related to its verbal root, βιβρώσκω (bibroskō), though this verb is less common in the New Testament than φάγω (phago) `{{G5315}}`, the general verb "to eat." Other related nouns include τροφή (trophē) `{{G5160}}`, a broader term for "nourishment" or "food," and ἄρτος (artos) `{{G740}}`, "bread," which often serves as a metonymy for food in general or, profoundly, for Christ as the "Bread of Life."
The concept of βρῶσις also intersects with broader theological themes:
* **Perishable vs. Imperishable:** This fundamental contrast is central to the Johannine usage, distinguishing earthly, temporal sustenance from eternal, spiritual life.
* **Spiritual Sustenance:** The idea that true life and growth come not from physical intake but from divine revelation and participation in Christ.
* **Christian Liberty and Conscience:** In Paul's writings, βρῶσις is a key term in discussions about freedom in Christ concerning dietary laws and the need to exercise this freedom with love and consideration for others.
* **God's Provision:** While often contrasted with spiritual food, the literal sense of βρῶσις in passages like [[2 Corinthians 9:10]] reminds believers of God's faithful provision for their physical needs.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βρῶσις is profound, particularly in its capacity to delineate between the temporal and the eternal, and the physical and the spiritual.
Firstly, the Johannine emphasis on "food that endures to eternal life" ([[John 6:27]]) elevates Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance. By identifying Himself as the "true food" ([[John 6:55]]), Jesus transcends the limitations of physical nourishment, offering a life that is not subject to decay. This reorients human desire from transient physical gratification to eternal spiritual communion with God through Christ. The act of "eating" His flesh and "drinking" His blood, while initially shocking, points to a deep, transformative union with His saving work on the cross.
Secondly, Paul's use of βρῶσις in contexts of Christian liberty ([[Romans 14:17]], [[1 Corinthians 8:8]], [[Colossians 2:16]]) underscores the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is not defined by external observances, such as dietary laws or ascetic practices, but by internal realities of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This challenges believers to prioritize internal transformation over external conformity, while also exercising love and humility towards those with weaker consciences. It shifts the focus from what one consumes to how one lives in relationship with God and others.
Finally, even in its literal sense, βρῶσις highlights God's faithful provision for physical needs, reminding believers of their dependence on Him for daily sustenance ([[2 Corinthians 9:10]], [[James 2:16]]). However, the New Testament consistently subordinates this physical provision to the far greater need for spiritual nourishment, urging believers not to exchange their spiritual inheritance for fleeting physical comforts, as exemplified by Esau's tragic choice ([[Hebrews 12:16]]).
### Summary
The Greek word βρῶσις (brōsis) `{{G1035}}` encompasses both the act of eating and the food itself, functioning in both literal and figurative senses. Its most significant theological contribution lies in its use to contrast perishable physical sustenance with imperishable spiritual nourishment, supremely embodied in Jesus Christ as the "Bread of Life." In the Gospel of John, βρῶσις points to Christ as the source of eternal life, urging believers to seek spiritual food over that which perishes. In Pauline epistles, the term is central to discussions on Christian liberty, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God is not about external dietary regulations but about internal spiritual realities of righteousness, peace, and joy. While acknowledging God's provision for physical needs, the New Testament consistently elevates the pursuit of spiritual sustenance, reminding believers that true life and communion with God are found not in what they consume physically, but in their relationship with Christ.
TRV