from a compound of ἐπί and a derivative of σῖτος; a provisioning, i.e. (concretely) food:--victuals.
Transliteration:episitismós
Pronunciation:ep-ee-sit-is-mos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐπισιτισμός (episitismós, `{{G1979}}`) is derived from a compound of the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon" or "in addition to") and a derivative of the noun σῖτος (sitos, `{{G4621}}`, meaning "grain" or "food"). Etymologically, it conveys the idea of "a provisioning" or "a supplying with food." In its concrete application, episitismós refers to the actual "food," "victuals," or "provisions" that are supplied or acquired. The emphasis is not merely on food in a general sense, but often on food specifically gathered or prepared for a journey, a particular occasion, or for a group of people. It denotes the necessary sustenance for a specific purpose or period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἐπισιτισμός (episitismós, `{{G1979}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 9:12]]**: "And when the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, 'Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and country, and lodge and get provisions (ἐπισιτισμός); for we are here in a deserted place.'"
In this singular occurrence, the context is vital. Jesus and His disciples are in a desolate area, and a large crowd has gathered around them. As evening approaches, the disciples recognize the practical need of the multitude. Their suggestion to Jesus is that the people should be dismissed so they can go to nearby villages to find lodging and, crucially, to "get provisions" (episitismós). This highlights the disciples' concern for the immediate, physical sustenance of the crowd, acknowledging the logistical challenge of feeding such a large number in a remote location. This statement directly precedes Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand, setting the stage for a profound demonstration of divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words relate to ἐπισιτισμός (episitismós, `{{G1979}}`) in the broader semantic field of food and sustenance:
* σῖτος (sitos, `{{G4621}}`): The root word for "grain" or "food," from which episitismós is directly derived. It refers to the raw material or staple food.
* τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`): A more general term for "food" or "nourishment," encompassing anything that sustains life.
* βρῶμα (brōma, `{{G1033}}`): "Food" or "that which is eaten," often used in discussions about food laws or spiritual food (e.g., [[John 4:34]]).
* ἄρτος (artos, `{{G740}}`): "Bread" or "a loaf," a fundamental staple food, frequently symbolizing basic sustenance and even used metaphorically for Christ as the "Bread of Life" ([[John 6:35]]).
* The concept of "provision" itself, whether divine or human, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing dependence on God for daily needs (e.g., manna in the wilderness, [[Exodus 16]]).
### Theological Significance
Despite its single occurrence, ἐπισιτισμός (episitismós, `{{G1979}}`) holds significant theological weight due to its pivotal placement in the narrative of the feeding of the five thousand. The disciples' concern for episitismós in [[Luke 9:12]] serves as a stark contrast to Jesus' subsequent action. It underscores:
1. **Human Limitation vs. Divine Provision**: The disciples' assessment reflects human inability to meet the vast material needs of the crowd. They propose a human solution: send the people away to find their own provisions. Jesus' response, however, is a demonstration of divine power, revealing that God is not limited by circumstances or resources. He provides miraculously, turning a meager offering into abundance.
2. **Christ's Holistic Care**: The narrative highlights Jesus' concern not only for the spiritual well-being of the multitude (teaching them about the Kingdom of God, [[Luke 9:11]]) but also for their immediate physical needs. He addresses their hunger, demonstrating that His compassion extends to every aspect of human existence.
3. **Dependence on God**: The disciples' realization of the need for episitismós and their inability to supply it, followed by Christ's miraculous act, implicitly teaches a lesson about dependence on God for all necessities, echoing the petition in the Lord's Prayer for "daily bread" (ἄρτος `{{G740}}`). It reminds believers that God is the ultimate provider of both physical and spiritual sustenance.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐπισιτισμός (episitismós, `{{G1979}}`) denotes "provisions" or "victuals," specifically food acquired for a particular purpose or journey. Its solitary appearance in the New Testament at [[Luke 9:12]] is profoundly significant, acting as the immediate backdrop to Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The disciples' recognition of the crowd's need for episitismós highlights human limitations in the face of overwhelming practical needs. Theologically, this sets the stage for Christ's demonstration of boundless divine provision, contrasting human inadequacy with God's sufficiency. It underscores Jesus' holistic care for humanity, attending to both spiritual and physical needs, and serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's dependence on God for all sustenance.
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