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.
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.
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.
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.
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