from μέλι; relating to honey, i.e. bee (comb):--honeycomb.
Transliteration:melíssios
Pronunciation:mel-is'-see-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μελίσσιος (melíssios) is an adjective derived from the noun μέλι (meli), which means "honey" (`{{G3191}}`). Its core meaning is "relating to honey" or "of bees." As an adjective, it describes something that pertains to or originates from bees, particularly their produce. The base definition specifies "bee (comb)," indicating its use in reference to the honeycomb, the natural wax structure built by bees to store honey, pollen, and larvae. Thus, μελίσσιος denotes something characteristic of or produced by bees, emphasizing the sweet, natural product.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word μελίσσιος (melíssios) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of Luke.
* **[[Luke 24:42]]**: "And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb."
* In this pivotal post-resurrection account, Jesus appears to His disciples, who are terrified, believing they are seeing a spirit. To dispel their fear and provide irrefutable proof of His physical resurrection, Jesus asks for food. The disciples offer Him "a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb" (καὶ αὐτοὶ αὐτῷ ἐπέδωκαν ὀπτὸν ἰχθύος μέρος καὶ ἀπὸ μελισσίου κηρίου). Here, μελισσίου modifies κηρίου (keriou), which means "honeycomb" (`{{G2781}}`). The phrase μελισσίου κηρίου literally means "of a bee's honeycomb" or "of a honeycomb from bees."
* The significance of this act lies in Jesus' ability to physically eat and digest food, demonstrating that His resurrected body was not a phantom or a mere spiritual apparition, but a tangible, physical reality. The inclusion of honeycomb, a natural and wholesome food, along with the fish, underscores the true physicality of His glorified body.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μέλι (meli) `{{G3191}}`**: This is the direct root word for μελίσσιος, meaning "honey." It is used in various contexts in the Bible, often symbolizing sweetness, prosperity, and the bounty of the Promised Land (e.g., "a land flowing with milk and honey," [[Exodus 3:8]]).
* **κηρίον (kerion) `{{G2781}}`**: This noun means "honeycomb" or "wax comb." In [[Luke 24:42]], μελίσσιος functions as an adjective to specify the type of κηρίον, forming the complete phrase "honeycomb." κηρίον refers to the physical structure, while μελίσσιος emphasizes its origin from bees.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of honey and honeycomb is rich in the Old Testament, often carrying symbolic weight:
* **דְּבַשׁ (devash) `{{H1706}}`**: The primary Hebrew word for "honey," frequently associated with the land of Canaan as a land of abundance (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 8:8]]).
* **נֹפֶת (nophet) `{{H5317}}`**: Refers to "droppings of honeycomb" or "liquid honey," often used metaphorically for pleasant words or wisdom (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:24]]: "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.").
* **Food and Sustenance**: The broader biblical theme of food, particularly natural and pure sustenance, is related. Honeycomb represents a wholesome and desirable food source.
* **Tangibility and Reality**: In its specific New Testament context, μελίσσιος is intrinsically linked to the concept of physical reality, serving as evidence for the bodily resurrection of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of μελίσσιος in [[Luke 24:42]] carries profound theological significance, primarily centered on the nature of the resurrected Christ.
* **Proof of Bodily Resurrection**: The foremost theological implication is its role in providing concrete evidence for the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus. By consuming the honeycomb and fish, Jesus decisively demonstrated that He was not a phantom or a mere spiritual entity, but truly risen in a tangible, albeit glorified, body. This act directly counters any docetic or gnostic interpretations that would deny the physicality of Christ's post-resurrection existence.
* **Continuity of Personhood**: It underscores the continuity of Jesus' identity. The resurrected Christ is the same person who lived, taught, and suffered, now glorified. His ability to eat affirms His genuine human nature, transformed but not eradicated.
* **Victory Over Death**: The act of eating signifies life and vitality. In a context where death had seemingly triumphed, Jesus' ability to partake of food is a powerful symbol of His complete victory over death and the grave.
* **Foreshadowing of Believers' Resurrection**: Jesus' resurrected body, capable of eating, provides a glimpse into the nature of the resurrected bodies promised to believers. These bodies will be physical, yet transformed and immortal, capable of interaction and sustenance.
* **Divine Condescension and Accessibility**: Despite His glorified state, Jesus remains accessible and willing to engage in ordinary human acts like eating. This demonstrates His continued identification with humanity and His profound love for His disciples.
### Summary
The Greek word μελίσσιος (melíssios), derived from μέλι (honey), functions as an adjective meaning "relating to honey" or "of bees," specifically denoting "honeycomb." Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Luke 24:42]], where it describes the "honeycomb" Jesus ate after His resurrection. This singular usage is highly significant, serving as irrefutable proof of Jesus' physical, bodily resurrection, distinguishing Him from a mere spirit or illusion. By consuming the honeycomb, Jesus affirmed the tangible reality of His glorified body, thereby establishing a foundational truth of Christian faith. The word connects to broader biblical themes of natural sustenance and the goodness of creation, while its theological weight is primarily concentrated on solidifying the doctrine of Christ's bodily resurrection and its implications for the nature of resurrected life.
TRV