from the same as δαπάνη; dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening):--feast, supper.
Transliteration:deîpnon
Pronunciation:dipe'-non
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun δεῖπνον (deîpnon, `{{G1173}}`) primarily denotes the main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening. In ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish cultures, this was the most substantial meal, often a time for social gathering and significant interaction. Its etymological connection to δαπάνη (dapanē), meaning "cost" or "expense," suggests a meal of substance that required preparation and resources, distinguishing it from simpler fare. The semantic range of δεῖπνον therefore includes "supper," "dinner," "evening meal," and by extension, a "feast" or "banquet," often implying a special occasion or a gathering of importance. It stands in contrast to ἄριστον (ariston, `{{G713}}`), which referred to the morning or midday meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δεῖπνον appears 16 times in the New Testament, with various significant applications:
* **Gospels:**
* [[Mark 6:21]]: Describes Herod's birthday δεῖπνον (feast), a lavish affair that tragically culminates in the beheading of John the Baptist. This illustrates δεῖπνον as a significant social event, albeit with a dark outcome.
* [[Luke 14:12]], [[Luke 14:16]], [[Luke 14:17]], [[Luke 14:24]]: Central to Jesus' parable of the Great δεῖπνον. Here, the δεῖπνον serves as a powerful metaphor for the kingdom of God, emphasizing God's generous invitation to all, particularly the marginalized, and the consequences of rejecting that invitation.
* [[John 12:2]]: Refers to a δεῖπνον given for Jesus in Bethany, where Mary anoints His feet. This intimate meal foreshadows Jesus' impending death and resurrection, a moment of profound devotion and fellowship.
* [[John 13:2]], [[John 13:4]]: While not explicitly using "Last Supper," these verses refer to the supper (δεῖπνον) that Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. This setting is crucial for the foot-washing, the identification of the betrayer, and Jesus' final teachings.
* [[John 21:12]]: After His resurrection, Jesus invites His disciples to δεῖπνον (breakfast/meal) by the Sea of Tiberias. This post-resurrection meal signifies restoration, forgiveness, and renewed fellowship.
* **Pauline Epistles:**
* [[1 Corinthians 11:20]], [[1 Corinthians 11:21]]: Paul uses δεῖπνον to refer to the "Lord's δεῖπνον" (κυριακὸν δεῖπνον), addressing abuses in the Corinthian church's communal meal. This passage is foundational for the understanding and practice of the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper, in early Christianity. It highlights the sacred nature of the meal and the importance of unity and self-examination.
* **Revelation:**
* [[Revelation 19:9]]: Describes the "marriage δεῖπνον of the Lamb." This is a glorious eschatological image, representing the ultimate celebration of Christ's triumph and His eternal union with His redeemed church. It is a symbol of ultimate joy, fellowship, and the consummation of salvation history.
* [[Revelation 19:17]]: In stark contrast, this verse speaks of the "great δεῖπνον of God." This is an ironic and grim "feast" where birds of prey consume the flesh of God's enemies, symbolizing divine judgment and the decisive defeat of those who oppose God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of δεῖπνον is interwoven with several related biblical themes and terms:
* **Meals and Food:** While δεῖπνον specifies the main meal, broader terms like βρῶμα (brōma, `{{G1033}}`, food), τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`, nourishment), and ἄριστον (ariston, `{{G713}}`, breakfast/lunch) provide context for daily sustenance.
* **Feasting and Banqueting:** Words such as εὐωχία (euōchia, `{{G2165}}`, feasting) and συμπόσιον (symposion, `{{G4847}}`, drinking party/banquet) highlight the celebratory and communal aspects often associated with a δεῖπνον.
* **Fellowship and Communion:** The shared meal is a powerful symbol of κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`, fellowship, participation). This is particularly evident in the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in a communal act that signifies their unity in Christ.
* **Hospitality:** In the ancient world, offering a δεῖπνον was a fundamental act of hospitality, demonstrating welcome and generosity.
* **Kingdom of God Imagery:** The δεῖπνον frequently serves as a powerful metaphor for the Messianic banquet, a central image of the inaugurated and future kingdom of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δεῖπνον is profound and multifaceted:
* **Covenantal Fellowship and Intimacy:** From Jesus' intimate meals with His disciples (e.g., Bethany, Last Supper, post-resurrection breakfast) to the communal meals of the early church, δεῖπνον repeatedly signifies covenantal fellowship and deep spiritual intimacy. These meals were not merely physical acts but sacred gatherings where identity, purpose, and divine revelation were shared.
* **The Lord's Supper (Eucharist):** The most significant theological application of δεῖπνον is its use in [[1 Corinthians 11:20]] to designate the "Lord's δεῖπνον" (κυριακὸν δεῖπνον). This term became the foundational nomenclature for the Christian sacrament of the Lord's Supper. It serves as a perpetual remembrance of Christ's atoning sacrifice, a proclamation of His death until He returns, and a means of participation in His body and blood. The abuses in Corinth underscore the sacred nature of the meal and the necessity of unity and reverence.
* **Eschatological Hope and Judgment:** δεῖπνον powerfully conveys both the glorious hope and the stern judgment associated with God's ultimate plan. The "marriage δεῖπνον of the Lamb" in [[Revelation 19:9]] is the ultimate expression of eschatological joy, depicting the triumphant union of Christ with His church in eternity. Conversely, the "great δεῖπνον of God" in [[Revelation 19:17]] serves as a chilling counterpoint, symbolizing the final, decisive judgment upon those who oppose God, underscoring the dual aspects of God's redemptive and judicial purposes.
* **Divine Invitation and Inclusion:** The parable of the Great δεῖπνον in Luke's Gospel highlights God's expansive and persistent invitation to His kingdom, extending grace particularly to the marginalized and overlooked, while simultaneously revealing the tragic consequences of rejecting such divine grace.
### Summary
The Greek word δεῖπνον (deîpnon, `{{G1173}}`), meaning "supper" or "chief meal," holds rich theological significance throughout the New Testament. Beyond its literal meaning, it consistently points to moments of profound spiritual importance. It frames intimate fellowship with Christ, as seen in the Last Supper and post-resurrection meals, and forms the very name of the central Christian sacrament, the Lord's Supper (κυριακὸν δεῖπνον), in [[1 Corinthians 11:20]]. Furthermore, δεῖπνον serves as a powerful eschatological metaphor, representing both the joyous "marriage δεῖπνον of the Lamb" for the redeemed and the grim "great δεῖπνον of God" for His adversaries. Through its various occurrences, δεῖπνον encapsulates themes of divine invitation, covenantal relationship, remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, and the ultimate consummation of God's redemptive and judicial purposes.
TRV