from a compound of διά and τρέφω; nourishment:--food.
Transliteration:diatrophḗ
Pronunciation:dee-at-rof-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
διατροφή (diatrophḗ) `{{G1305}}` is a Greek noun derived from the preposition διά (dia), meaning "through" or "thoroughly," and the verb τρέφω (trephō) `{{G5142}}`, meaning "to nourish," "to feed," or "to bring up." Etymologically, it suggests "thorough nourishment" or "sustenance gained through a process." Its primary semantic range is limited to the literal, physical sense of "food," "sustenance," or "provision necessary for life." It refers to the means by which one's body is sustained, emphasizing basic, essential provisions rather than luxury or excess. In its singular New Testament usage, it unequivocally denotes physical sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term διατροφή (diatrophḗ) `{{G1305}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the Epistle to Timothy:
* **[[1 Timothy 6:8]]**: "But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (ESV)
In this verse, Paul instructs Timothy on the proper attitude towards material possessions, particularly contrasting it with the pitfalls of greed. The phrase "food and clothing" (διατροφή and σκέπασμα) represents the fundamental necessities for physical survival and well-being. Paul's argument is that believers, having these basic provisions, should cultivate contentment (ἀρκεσθήσομεν). The term διατροφή here signifies the minimal, essential sustenance required for life, serving as a benchmark for what should be considered sufficient. Its inclusion underscores a call to simplicity and a warning against the insatiable desire for more than what is truly needed, which Paul warns can lead to ruin ([[1 Timothy 6:9-10]]). The context emphasizes a spiritual discipline of satisfaction with God's provision for basic needs, rather than a relentless pursuit of wealth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **τρέφω (trephō) `{{G5142}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to nourish," "to feed." This verb denotes the act of providing sustenance, from which διατροφή derives its meaning of the "thing" that nourishes. Examples include Jesus being fed after His temptation ([[Matthew 4:2]]) and Herod feeding the people of Tyre and Sidon ([[Acts 12:20]]).
* **τροφή (trophē) `{{G5160}}`**: A more common and general noun for "food" or "nourishment" in the New Testament. While διατροφή is a compound form, τροφή often carries a similar meaning of physical sustenance (e.g., [[Matthew 3:4]], [[John 4:34]]). The distinction is subtle, with διατροφή perhaps implying a more complete or thorough provision.
* **βρῶμα (brōma) `{{G1035}}`**: Another frequently used term for "food," often appearing in contexts discussing dietary laws or the nature of food itself (e.g., [[Romans 14:15]], [[1 Corinthians 8:8]]).
* **ἀρκεσθήσομεν (arkesthēsomai) / ἀρκέω (arkeō) `{{G714}}`**: This verb, meaning "to be content" or "to be sufficient," is directly linked to διατροφή in [[1 Timothy 6:8]]. The presence of διατροφή is presented as the basis for this contentment, highlighting a key virtue in Christian ethics.
* **σκέπασμα (skepasma) `{{G4629}}`**: "Clothing" or "covering." This term is paired with διατροφή in [[1 Timothy 6:8]], forming the twin necessities that should lead to contentment. Together, they represent the basic physical provisions for life.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of διατροφή in the New Testament, though limited, carries significant theological weight within its context:
* **God's Provision and Trust:** While not explicitly stated as divine provision in [[1 Timothy 6:8]], the broader biblical narrative consistently affirms God as the ultimate provider of all necessities. The call to be content with διατροφή implicitly acknowledges God's faithful provision for basic needs, echoing Jesus' teaching not to worry about food and clothing because the Heavenly Father knows and provides ([[Matthew 6:25-34]]). It fosters a theology of trust in God's sustaining care.
* **Contentment and Simplicity:** The term serves as a powerful counterpoint to materialism and the pursuit of worldly wealth. Paul uses διατροφή to define the minimal, essential provisions that should satisfy a believer. This promotes a theology of simplicity, where physical needs are met, and the focus shifts from accumulating riches to spiritual pursuits and godliness. The desire for more than διατροφή is portrayed as a dangerous path leading to temptation, ruin, and destruction ([[1 Timothy 6:9-10]]).
* **Stewardship and Priorities:** The emphasis on being content with διατροφή implies a proper understanding of stewardship. Believers are called to recognize God's provision, be grateful for it, and not to misuse resources or hoard them selfishly. It helps to reorient priorities from earthly accumulation to spiritual growth and the kingdom of God.
* **Contrast with Spiritual Nourishment:** While διατροφή refers to physical food, the Bible often draws parallels or contrasts between physical sustenance and spiritual nourishment. The provision of διατροφή sustains physical life, enabling believers to pursue spiritual truth, grow in faith, and engage in God's service. The satisfaction found in διατροφή allows for a deeper hunger for the "true bread from heaven" ([[John 6:32-35]]) and "every word that comes from the mouth of God" ([[Matthew 4:4]]).
### Summary
διατροφή (diatrophḗ) `{{G1305}}` is a Greek noun meaning "nourishment" or "food," derived from the compound of διά (dia) and τρέφω (trephō) `{{G5142}}`. Its sole occurrence in the New Testament, found in [[1 Timothy 6:8]], is crucial for understanding the biblical emphasis on contentment. In this verse, Paul pairs διατροφή with "clothing" (σκέπασμα) to define the basic, essential provisions that should satisfy believers, thereby countering the dangers of greed and the love of money. The term underscores the theological principle of trusting in God's sufficient provision for fundamental human needs, fostering a life of simplicity, gratitude, and freedom from the destructive pursuit of material excess. It serves as a reminder that having διατροφή (food) is a basis for contentment, allowing believers to focus on godliness and their spiritual journey.
TRV