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 word **brōsis**, represented by `{{G1035}}`, refers to **eating**, **food**, or **meat**. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal act of consuming food to a figurative representation of spiritual sustenance or even the corrupting force of decay, like rust.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1035}}` is used to draw a sharp contrast between the physical and the spiritual. It describes physical food, as when Esau sold his birthright for a single "morsel of **meat**" [[Hebrews 12:16]] or in discussions about dietary regulations [[Colossians 2:16]]. However, its more profound use is figurative. Jesus speaks of a **meat** "which endureth unto everlasting life" in contrast to the **meat** "which perisheth" [[John 6:27]]. In a similar vein, the kingdom of God is defined as being "not **meat** and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy" [[Romans 14:17]]. In Matthew, the word is translated as "rust," a force that **corrupts** earthly treasures [[Matthew 6:19-20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of **brōsis**:
* `{{G4213}}` **pósis** (drink): This word is frequently paired with `{{G1035}}` to cover the full scope of physical consumption, as in the phrase "meat and **drink**" ([[Romans 14:17]], [[Colossians 2:16]]).
* `{{G1494}}` **eidōlóthyton** (things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols): This term is central to the discussion in [[1 Corinthians 8:4]], where the issue is the "**eating**" (brōsis) of such offerings.
* `{{G622}}` **apóllymi** (to perish): This word describes the temporary nature of physical **food** (brōsis), highlighting that it is something which will **perish** [[John 6:27]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This word is equated with true spiritual **meat** (brōsis) when Jesus declares, "my **flesh** is meat indeed" [[John 6:55]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1035}}` lies in its consistent use to elevate spiritual realities over temporary, physical concerns.
* **Temporal vs. Eternal Sustenance:** The word forces a distinction between what is corruptible and what is eternal. Earthly treasures are destroyed by **rust** (brōsis) [[Matthew 6:19]], and physical **meat** (brōsis) is something that **perisheth** `{{G622}}` [[John 6:27]]. This is contrasted with the **meat** that **endureth** `{{G3306}}` to **everlasting** `{{G166}}` **life** `{{G2222}}`.
* **Spiritual Reality over Ritual:** Paul uses `{{G1035}}` to teach that the kingdom of God is not about external rules concerning **meat** (brōsis) and **drink** `{{G4213}}`, but about internal qualities like **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[Romans 14:17]]. This redirects focus from ceremonial law to spiritual substance.
* **Christ as True Food:** The concept culminates in Jesus' declaration that He is the true source of life. He states, "my flesh is **meat** indeed" [[John 6:55]], and that He has a hidden **meat** to eat that others do not know about [[John 4:32]], identifying Himself as the ultimate spiritual nourishment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1035}}` is a versatile term that transitions from the literal meaning of food to a powerful spiritual metaphor. It serves to contrast the perishable nature of the physical world with the eternal life offered in the spiritual realm. Through its use, scripture teaches that true, lasting sustenance is found not in physical **food** or the observance of dietary rules, but in the spiritual qualities of God's kingdom and ultimately in Christ himself, who is the **meat** that endures to everlasting life [[John 6:27]].
TRV