### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **diatrophḗ**, represented by `{{G1305}}`, is a term for **nourishment** or **food**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, deriving from a compound of words meaning nourishment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1305}}` is found in [[1 Timothy 6:8]], where it establishes the foundation for a principle of satisfaction. The verse states, "And having **food** and raiment let us be therewith content." Here, **diatrophḗ** refers to the most basic physical sustenance required for life, pairing it with clothing as the essential provisions upon which contentment should be based.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its sole context help to define its meaning:
* `{{G2192}}` **échō** (to hold): This verb, translated as "having" in the verse, signifies possession or the condition of being provided for. It establishes that having even basic things like life is a possession given by God [[John 10:10]].
* `{{G4629}}` **sképasma** (clothing): This word for **raiment** is used alongside **food** to form a pair representing life's fundamental necessities [[1 Timothy 6:8]].
* `{{G714}}` **arkéō** (be content, be enough, suffice, be sufficient): This is the instruction that follows the mention of having food and raiment. It calls the believer to be satisfied with these provisions, as seen in the command to "be content with such things as ye have" [[Hebrews 13:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1305}}` is rooted entirely in its specific context.
* **The Basis for Contentment:** By identifying **food** as a core need, the scripture establishes a low bar for material satisfaction. Contentment is not tied to wealth, but to the simple fact of having essential provision [[1 Timothy 6:8]].
* **Focus on Essential Provision:** The pairing of **food** `{{G1305}}` and **raiment** `{{G4629}}` frames the conversation around needs rather than wants, directing focus away from material accumulation.
* **Sufficiency in Simplicity:** The use of **diatrophḗ** supports a theme of sufficiency. The idea is that having food is enough (`arkéō`) to be content, pointing toward a life of simple dependence and gratitude for basic needs being met.
### Summary
In summary, while **diatrophḗ** `{{G1305}}` is one of the most infrequently used words in the New Testament, its single appearance is highly instructive. It serves as a powerful anchor for the biblical teaching on contentment. By representing the simple, foundational provision of **food**, it illustrates that a state of satisfaction is grounded not in abundance but in the sufficiency of life's most basic necessities.
TRV