from the feminine of ὤν; substance, i.e. property (possessions):--goods, substance.
Transliteration:ousía
Pronunciation:oo-see'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G3776 (οὐσία, *ousía*) is derived from the feminine present participle of G1510 (εἰμί, *eimi*), meaning "to be." In its broader philosophical usage, particularly within Platonic and Aristotelian thought, *ousía* signified "being," "essence," "substance," or "reality"—that which truly exists and underlies all phenomena. It referred to the fundamental nature or substratum of something, distinguishing it from its accidental properties.
However, in the New Testament, the semantic range of *ousía* is significantly narrowed and concretized. It shifts from an abstract philosophical concept to a very practical and material one, denoting "property," "possessions," "goods," or "wealth." It refers to tangible assets, resources, or the material "substance" that one owns or possesses. This specific usage emphasizes the economic and personal value of what is held, rather than its ontological essence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G3776 (οὐσία) appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances found within the Parable of the Prodigal Son in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 15:13]]**: "And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his *substance* with riotous living." Here, *ousía* clearly refers to the material inheritance the younger son received from his father. It signifies the tangible wealth, the portion of the father's estate that was legally transferred to the son. The context highlights the immediate and complete liquidation of these assets ("gathered all together") and their subsequent squandering through dissolute behavior.
* **[[Luke 15:30]]**: "But as soon as this son of yours came, who has devoured your *substance* with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf." In this verse, spoken by the elder brother, *ousía* again denotes the father's wealth that was consumed by the younger son. The elder brother's accusation underscores the loss and misuse of the family's resources, emphasizing the material cost of the prodigal's folly.
In both occurrences, *ousía* refers to the father's material wealth, specifically that portion which was given to and then squandered by the younger son. The word consistently points to tangible assets, indicating a focus on the economic and material aspects of the inheritance rather than any abstract notion of being. The narrative uses *ousía* to set the stage for the son's downfall, illustrating the consequences of mismanaging entrusted resources for selfish gratification.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G3776 (οὐσία) is rare in the New Testament, its meaning of "possessions" or "wealth" connects it to several other Greek terms and concepts:
* **`{{G5224}}` (ὑπάρχω / *hypárchō*)**: Often used in the New Testament to refer to "possessions," "goods," or "what one has" (e.g., [[Matthew 24:47]], [[Luke 12:15]], [[Acts 2:45]]). This is perhaps the most common general term for material belongings.
* **`{{G2933}}` (κτῆμα / *ktēma*)**: Specifically denotes "a possession," "property," or "land" (e.g., [[Matthew 19:22]], [[Acts 2:45]]).
* **`{{G4149}}` (πλοῦτος / *ploutos*)**: Signifies "wealth" or "riches" in a more general sense, often with moral or spiritual implications (e.g., [[Matthew 13:22]], [[Ephesians 3:8]]).
* **`{{G2817}}` (κληρονομία / *klēronomia*)**: "Inheritance," directly relevant to the context of *ousía* in Luke 15, as the *ousía* in question is an inheritance.
* **`{{G1287}}` (διασκορπίζω / *diaskorpizō*)**: "To scatter abroad," "to squander," or "to waste." This verb is used in [[Luke 15:13]] alongside *ousía*, describing the prodigal son's action of wasting his inheritance.
* **`{{G4621}}` (σιτίον / *sition*)**: "Food" or "grain." While not directly related in meaning, the prodigal son's ultimate degradation to desiring the food of pigs highlights the complete loss of his *ousía* and his subsequent destitution.
The cluster of these terms helps to paint a comprehensive picture of material wealth, its acquisition, management, and potential misuse within the biblical narrative.
### Theological Significance
The specific and limited use of G3776 (οὐσία) in the Parable of the Prodigal Son carries profound theological weight:
* **Stewardship and Responsibility**: The father entrusts his *ousía* to his sons, highlighting the concept of stewardship. The younger son's reckless squandering of this "substance" serves as a stark warning against the irresponsible use of blessings and resources, whether material, spiritual, or relational. It underscores the accountability inherent in receiving from another, especially from a generous benefactor.
* **The Nature of True Riches**: By vividly portraying the emptiness and ruin that result from the pursuit and misuse of material *ousía*, the parable implicitly contrasts it with true, enduring "substance" or "being." The father's unconditional love, forgiveness, and restoration represent a spiritual wealth far surpassing any material inheritance. The son's journey from material abundance to utter destitution, and then to spiritual restoration, emphasizes that genuine life and fulfillment are not found in possessions but in reconciled relationship with the Father.
* **Idolatry of Possessions**: The son's demand for his *ousía* and his subsequent departure suggest a prioritization of material gain and self-gratification over familial relationship and duty. This can be seen as a subtle critique of the idolatry of possessions, where tangible assets become the focus of one's desires and actions, leading to a break from the source of true life and blessing.
* **Grace and Redemption**: Despite the son's utter waste of his *ousía* and his subsequent moral degradation, the father's overwhelming grace and immediate restoration demonstrate that divine love transcends material loss and human failure. The parable's use of *ousía* thus sets the stage for a powerful display of God's redemptive love, which is not contingent on human merit or material standing.
### Summary
The Greek term G3776 (οὐσία, *ousía*), though rooted in the philosophical concept of "being," is employed in the New Testament exclusively to denote "material possessions" or "wealth." Its two occurrences in [[Luke 15:13]] and [[Luke 15:30]] specifically refer to the inheritance squandered by the prodigal son. This focused usage underscores the concrete, tangible nature of the father's wealth that was wasted.
Theologically, *ousía* in this context serves as a pivotal element in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting critical themes of stewardship, the fleeting nature of material "substance" versus enduring spiritual realities, the dangers of prioritizing possessions over relationships, and the boundless grace of the Father. The word, though rare, is powerfully employed to illustrate the profound consequences of mismanaging entrusted resources and the ultimate emptiness of a life disconnected from its true source of being and love.
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