neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of ὀπτός; a relish to other food (as if cooked sauce), i.e. (specially), fish (presumably salted and dried as a condiment):--fish.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ὀψάριον (opsárion, `{{G3795}}`) is a neuter noun derived from a presumed diminutive form related to the base of ὀπτός (optos), which signifies "roasted" or "cooked." Its core meaning denotes a "relish to other food," akin to a "cooked sauce" or a side dish that enhances the main meal. Specifically, in the New Testament context, it refers to "fish," often implying fish that has been prepared, perhaps salted and dried, serving as a condiment or a protein accompaniment. While its etymological root suggests a secondary or complementary food item, in its biblical usage, ὀψάριον frequently functions as the primary protein component of a simple meal, particularly when paired with bread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὀψάριον appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, specifically in two significant narrative clusters: the feeding of the five thousand and the post-resurrection breakfast by the Sea of Tiberias.
1. **The Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:9-13):**
* In [[John 6:9]], a young boy is found to possess "five barley loaves and two small fish (ὀψάριον)." The term here emphasizes the meager quantity of the food, highlighting the miraculous nature of its multiplication. The "small fish" are presented as a humble, yet essential, part of the provisions.
* [[John 6:11]] records Jesus distributing both the loaves and "the fish (ὀψάριον), as much as they wanted." Here, ὀψάριον is directly linked with the bread, forming the complete meal that miraculously satisfies the multitude. The abundance of the fish, despite its initial scarcity, underscores Jesus' divine power and provision.
2. **The Post-Resurrection Breakfast (John 21:9-13):**
* After a night of fruitless fishing, the disciples come ashore in [[John 21:9]] to find a charcoal fire with "fish (ὀψάριον) laid out on it, and bread." This scene portrays Jesus, the resurrected Lord, humbly preparing a meal for His weary disciples.
* In [[John 21:10]], Jesus instructs them, "Bring some of the fish (ὀψάριον) that you have just caught." This blends the miraculously provided meal with the fruit of their labor, inviting participation in His provision.
* Finally, in [[John 21:13]], Jesus takes both "the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish (ὀψάριον)." This intimate act of sharing a meal serves as a powerful moment of fellowship, restoration, and reaffirmation of the disciples' calling.
In both contexts, ὀψάριον consistently appears alongside bread (ἄρτος, `{{G740}}`), signifying a complete, though simple, meal. John's choice of this specific term, rather than the more general ἰχθύς (ichthys, `{{G2486}}`) for "fish," subtly emphasizes the fish as a prepared, consumable item, ready for sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὀπτός (optos):** The linguistic root of ὀψάριον, meaning "roasted" or "cooked," reinforces the idea of prepared food. This differentiates it from raw fish and highlights its readiness for consumption.
* **ἰχθύς (ichthys, `{{G2486}}`):** This is the more common and general Greek word for "fish." While ὀψάριον specifically refers to fish as a prepared food item or relish, ἰχθύς can denote any fish, alive or dead. John's deliberate use of ὀψάριον in these specific instances points to the *function* of the fish as sustenance rather than merely its biological identity.
* **ἄρτος (artos, `{{G740}}`):** "Bread." The consistent pairing of ὀψάριον with ἄρτος in John's Gospel signifies a staple meal, representing basic human sustenance. This pairing is crucial for understanding the symbolic weight of the meals.
* **Provision:** The concept of God's abundant provision for His people, both physically and spiritually.
* **Fellowship and Communion:** The shared meal, particularly in John 21, symbolizes restored relationship and intimate communion between Jesus and His disciples.
### Theological Significance
The term ὀψάριον, though limited in its New Testament occurrences, carries profound theological weight within the Gospel of John:
1. **Divine Provision and Abundance:** In the feeding of the five thousand (John 6), the "small fish" highlight the initial scarcity, which is then overcome by Jesus' miraculous power. The multiplication of the ὀψάριον, alongside the bread, demonstrates God's ability to provide abundantly for the physical needs of His people, even from seemingly insignificant resources. This miracle serves as a tangible sign pointing to Jesus as the ultimate source of all provision, foreshadowing His discourse on being the "Bread of Life" ([[John 6:35]]).
2. **Jesus as the Provider:** Both narratives underscore Jesus' active role as the provider. He takes the fish, gives thanks, and distributes it (John 6), and He prepares and serves the fish to His disciples after His resurrection (John 21). This portrays Jesus not only as a powerful miracle-worker but also as a compassionate and caring shepherd who attends to the basic needs of His flock.
3. **Post-Resurrection Ministry and Restoration:** The breakfast scene in John 21 is deeply symbolic. The ὀψάριον, prepared by the resurrected Christ, signifies His continued care for His disciples and His desire for restored fellowship. It is a humble act of service that reaffirms their relationship and their calling, particularly for Peter, who is subsequently restored. The meal serves as a tangible sign of the new reality of life with the risen Lord.
4. **Symbolism of the Meal:** While the bread often carries stronger eucharistic overtones, the presence of the ὀψάριον completes the meal. The shared act of eating together, provided by Jesus, points to the intimate communion He desires with His followers, both in this life and eternally. It is a reminder that Jesus sustains us holistically – body and soul.
### Summary
The Greek term ὀψάριον (`{{G3795}}`) refers to prepared fish, often a relish or condiment, yet used in John's Gospel to denote a crucial component of a meal. Its exclusive appearance in John highlights two pivotal moments: the miraculous feeding of the five thousand and the post-resurrection breakfast with the disciples. In both instances, ὀψάριον consistently appears alongside bread, symbolizing a complete, divinely provided meal. Theologically, the presence of ὀψάριον underscores Jesus' divine power and abundant provision, His compassionate care for His followers, and the profound significance of shared fellowship with the resurrected Lord. More than mere sustenance, the ὀψάριον in John's narrative points to Jesus as the ultimate source of both physical and spiritual life.
TRV