perhaps from the same as ἐπιοῦσα; tomorrow's; but more probably from ἐπί and a derivative of the present participle feminine of εἰμί; for subsistence, i.e. needful:--daily.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **epioúsios**, represented by `{{G1967}}`, is a term whose meaning is centered on what is necessary for existence, defined as for subsistence, i.e. needful, and commonly translated as **daily**. This word is exceptionally rare, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the entire Bible. Its specific usage within the Lord's Prayer highlights a direct petition for essential, timely provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only two occurrences of `{{G1967}}` are found in the model prayer taught by Jesus. In Matthew's account, the request is, "Give us this day our **daily** bread" [[Matthew 6:11]]. Luke's version presents a similar petition with a slight variation in phrasing: "Give us day by day our **daily** bread" [[Luke 11:3]]. In both instances, **epioúsios** qualifies the type of bread being requested, pinpointing it as the sustenance that is needful for the coming day or for ongoing existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the petition involving `{{G1967}}`:
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This verb is the action requested in both verses where **epioúsios** appears. It is a plea for God to bestow or grant the necessary provision [[Matthew 6:11]].
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread (as raised) or a loaf): This is the object of the request. While it refers to physical food, it is also used figuratively in scripture to refer to Jesus as "the **bread** of life" [[John 6:35]].
* `{{G4594}}` **sḗmeron** (on the (i.e. this) day): Used in Matthew's version of the prayer, this word specifies the timeframe for the provision, focusing the request on the immediate present [[Matthew 6:11]].
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word appears in Luke's account, combined with `{{G2596}}` `katá`, to form the phrase "day by day," indicating a continuous, daily need and provision [[Luke 11:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1967}}` is concentrated in its specific context within the Lord's Prayer.
* **Daily Dependence:** By asking specifically for **daily** bread, the prayer establishes a pattern of continual dependence on God. The focus is not on accumulating wealth but on trusting God to provide for immediate, essential needs, a theme reinforced by the teaching, "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" [[Matthew 6:34]].
* **Needful Sustenance:** The definition "for subsistence" or "needful" implies that the request is for what is essential for life, not for luxury. It is a prayer for sustenance, covering both physical provision and, by extension, the spiritual nourishment required to live.
* **A Petition for Both Physical and Spiritual Life:** The "bread" `{{G740}}` requested is not merely physical. Jesus identifies Himself as the "bread of life" [[John 6:35]] and states that man does not live by bread alone [[Matthew 4:4]]. Therefore, the plea for **epioúsios** bread is a petition for all that is necessary to sustain life in its fullest sense, day by day.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1967}}` is a concise and powerful word that, despite its rare usage, is central to the Christian understanding of dependence on God. It transforms the request for "bread" into a specific petition for the necessary, moment-by-moment sustenance required for both physical and spiritual life. Found exclusively in the Lord's Prayer, **epioúsios** encapsulates the believer's trust in God as the ultimate provider of all that is needful.
TRV