### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **esthíō**, represented by `{{G2068}}`, is a primary verb that means **to eat**. It appears 66 times across 55 unique verses. While its primary use is literal, describing the consumption of food, its meaning can extend to encompass concepts like to **devour** or to **live**. The base definition notes that it is used for certain tenses, while the related word **phágō** `{{G5315}}` supplies the others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2068}}` is used in several significant contexts. It describes the ordinary necessity of life, as when the disciples, being hungry, began to pluck ears of corn **to eat** [[Matthew 12:1]]. The word is also central to the accusations against Jesus, who came "**eating** and drinking" and was criticized for **eating** with publicans and sinners ([[Matthew 11:19]], [[Matthew 9:11]]). Most profoundly, it is used in the institution of the Lord's Supper, where, as the disciples were **eating**, Jesus took bread and gave it to them [[Matthew 26:26]]. In a figurative sense, it can also signify destruction, as when fiery indignation is said to **devour** the adversaries [[Hebrews 10:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the act of eating:
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat): This verb is a direct alternate for `{{G2068}}` and is used to complete its tenses. It appears in Jesus' command during the Last Supper: "Take, **eat**; this is my body" [[Matthew 26:26]].
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread): As a common food, this word is frequently the object of the verb **to eat**. This is seen in passages about the disciples **eating** bread with unwashen hands [[Mark 7:5]] and in the command to **eat** their own **bread** in quietness [[2 Thessalonians 3:12]].
* `{{G4095}}` **pínō** (to drink): This word is often paired with `{{G2068}}` to describe the full scope of sustenance and fellowship, as when the Son of Man is described as "**eating** and **drinking**" [[Luke 7:34]] or in the instruction that whether one **eats** or **drinks**, it should all be for the glory of God [[1 Corinthians 10:31]].
* `{{G1033}}` **brōma** (food, meat): This term refers to what is eaten and is central to discussions about Christian liberty. Paul warns not to destroy God's work for the sake of **meat**, cautioning the one who **eats** with offence [[Romans 14:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2068}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of Christian faith and practice.
* **The Lord's Supper:** The act of **eating** is foundational to the practice of communion. Believers are instructed to examine themselves and then **eat** the bread [[1 Corinthians 11:28]], because doing so proclaims the Lord's death until He comes [[1 Corinthians 11:26]]. To **eat** unworthily is to be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord [[1 Corinthians 11:27]].
* **Christian Liberty and Conscience:** The word is at the center of early church debates regarding food. Paul uses it to teach that believers should not judge each other for what they **eat** or do not **eat** [[Romans 14:3]], as the one who **eats**, **eats** to the Lord [[Romans 14:6]]. However, this liberty is limited by love, so one should not **eat** if it causes a weaker brother to be defiled or emboldened to sin ([[1 Corinthians 8:7]], [[1 Corinthians 8:10]]).
* **Work and Provision:** A clear ethical principle is established using this word. The command was given that "if any would not work, neither should he **eat**" [[2 Thessalonians 3:10]], linking physical labor to the right to receive provision.
* **Fellowship and Hospitality:** The act of **eating** together defines community and acceptance. Disciples are told to **eat** what is set before them when they are received into a city [[Luke 10:8]], and Jesus's willingness to **eat** with sinners was a mark of His ministry [[Mark 2:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2068}}` is far more than a simple verb for consuming food. It is a word that operates on multiple levels, from the basic human need for sustenance to the most sacred act of Christian worship in the Lord's Supper. It forms the basis of critical teachings on fellowship, Christian liberty, conscience, and eschatological judgment. The simple act of **eating** is thus elevated in Scripture to a powerful symbol of one's relationship with God and with fellow believers.
TRV