### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κρέας (kréas), Strong's number `{{G2907}}`, refers specifically to "meat" or "flesh" as an item of food, particularly the flesh of animals prepared for consumption, often implying butcher's meat. It is distinct from σάρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`), which denotes "flesh" in a broader sense, encompassing the physical substance of living beings, human or animal, and often carrying theological or ethical connotations related to the human condition or sinful nature. κρέας is a primary word, suggesting a fundamental and straightforward meaning without complex etymological layers, focusing purely on the edible product. Its semantic range is narrow, consistently referring to animal protein as food.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κρέας appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Pauline epistles addressing matters of Christian liberty and conscience:
1. **[[Romans 14:21]]**: "It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble." Here, κρέας is presented as an example of a permissible activity that, if exercised without regard for a weaker brother's conscience, could lead to spiritual harm. The context is the broader discussion in [[Romans 14]] about *adiaphora* (matters indifferent) within the Christian community, where personal freedoms must be weighed against the principle of love and edification. The consumption of meat, particularly that which might have been offered to idols, was a point of contention among early Christians, and Paul prioritizes unity and the spiritual well-being of others over the assertion of one's own freedom.
2. **[[1 Corinthians 8:13]]**: "Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." This verse echoes the sentiment of [[Romans 14:21]], reinforcing the principle that love for one's fellow believer should supersede the exercise of personal rights. In [[1 Corinthians 8]], Paul addresses the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols. While acknowledging that idols are nothing and that Christians have knowledge and freedom, he warns against the danger of this knowledge leading to the destruction of a weaker brother's faith. The specific κρέας in question is not inherently defiled, but its consumption in certain contexts could cause a brother with a sensitive conscience to violate his own convictions, thereby stumbling.
In both instances, κρέας serves as a concrete example in ethical dilemmas concerning food, liberty, and the responsibility Christians have toward one another. Its meaning remains consistent: animal flesh as food.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is σάρξ (sarx, `{{G4561}}`), "flesh." While both can refer to "flesh," κρέας is exclusively about meat as food, whereas σάρξ has a much broader semantic range, encompassing the physical body (human or animal), human nature (often in contrast to the Spirit), and even the sinful inclination of humanity. The distinction is crucial for understanding the New Testament's nuanced discussions of the body and spiritual life.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical synonyms, include:
* **βρῶμα** (brōma, `{{G1033}}`): A more general term for "food."
* **φάγω** (phagō, `{{G5315}}`): The verb "to eat."
* **συνείδησις** (syneidēsis, `{{G4893}}`): "Conscience," which is central to the ethical dilemmas involving κρέας.
* **πρόσκομμα** (proskomma, `{{G4349}}`): "Stumbling block," the negative outcome that Paul seeks to avoid by regulating the consumption of κρέας.
* **ἀγάπη** (agapē, `{{G26}}`): "Love," the ultimate guiding principle that should govern the exercise of Christian liberty, including the eating of κρέας.
* **οἰκοδομή** (oikodomē, `{{G3619}}`): "Edification" or "building up," the positive goal that should be pursued in community life.
### Theological Significance
While κρέας itself is a mundane item, its limited New Testament appearances carry profound theological weight. It becomes a concrete illustration for applying core Christian principles:
1. **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**: The discussions surrounding κρέας highlight that Christian freedom is not absolute but must be exercised responsibly, always considering its impact on others. Believers are free in Christ to eat all foods ([[Mark 7:19]], [[1 Timothy 4:4]]), but this liberty is subordinate to the law of love.
2. **Love for Neighbor**: The decision to abstain from κρέας in certain situations is presented as an act of love ([[Romans 14:15]], [[1 Corinthians 8:1]]). It demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice personal rights and preferences for the spiritual well-being of a weaker brother or sister.
3. **Unity and Edification of the Church**: The issues surrounding κρέας were divisive in the early church. Paul's teaching emphasizes that maintaining unity and building up the body of Christ takes precedence over individual dietary choices. The focus shifts from the permissibility of the food to the impact of its consumption on the community.
4. **Conscience**: The passages underscore the importance of respecting individual consciences. While some may have strong convictions about eating meat (especially meat offered to idols), others may not. The stronger believer, with more knowledge, is called to accommodate the weaker, not to compel them to violate their conscience.
Thus, κρέας serves as a practical test case for applied theology, demonstrating how abstract theological principles like freedom, love, and unity are lived out in the daily decisions of believers.
### Summary
κρέας (kréas, `{{G2907}}`) refers to "meat" or "flesh" as food, specifically butcher's meat. Its two New Testament occurrences in [[Romans 14:21]] and [[1 Corinthians 8:13]] are pivotal in discussions of Christian liberty and conscience. In these contexts, κρέας functions as a concrete example of a permissible activity that, if exercised without regard for a weaker brother's or sister's conscience, could lead to stumbling. The theological significance of κρέας lies not in the food itself, but in its role as a practical illustration for the application of Christian principles: prioritizing love, unity, and the edification of the church over the assertion of individual rights. It underscores the profound responsibility believers have to one another in the exercise of their freedom in Christ.
TRV