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 word **opsárion**, represented by `{{G3795}}`, is defined as a relish to other food, and more specifically, **fish**. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses. The definition suggests it may refer to fish that is salted and dried, served as a condiment, though its use in scripture points to it being part of a main meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
All occurrences of `{{G3795}}` are found in the Gospel of John, within two key narratives. First, in the feeding of the multitude, a lad provides "two small **fishes**" along with five barley loaves [[John 6:9]]. Jesus then takes these and distributes the **fishes** to the crowd [[John 6:11]]. Later, after the resurrection, the disciples find Jesus on the shore with a fire of coals that has **fish** laid on it [[John 21:9]]. Jesus instructs them to bring some of the **fish** they have just caught [[John 21:10]] and then serves it to them [[John 21:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meals where `{{G3795}}` is found:
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread or a loaf): This word is consistently paired with **fish**. It is present as barley loaves in the initial miracle [[John 6:9]] and as bread by the fire in the post-resurrection meal [[John 21:9]].
* `{{G2916}}` **kríthinos** (consisting of barley): This term describes the loaves that accompany the "two small **fishes**," highlighting the humble nature of the meal that Jesus miraculously multiplies [[John 6:9]].
* `{{G439}}` **anthrakiá** (a bed of burning coals): This word sets the scene for the post-resurrection breakfast, where the disciples find **fish** already cooking on a "fire of coals" prepared by Jesus [[John 21:9]].
* `{{G3808}}` **paidárion** (a little boy): This is the **lad** who possesses the loaves and **fishes** that become the source for the miraculous feeding of the crowd [[John 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{G3795}}` is tied directly to Christ's actions and ministry.
* **Miraculous Provision:** The "two small **fishes**" are integral to the miracle of feeding the five thousand. They represent the impossibly small amount of food that, in Jesus's hands, becomes more than enough for a great multitude ([[John 6:9]], [[John 6:11]]).
* **Post-Resurrection Fellowship:** The **fish** prepared by Jesus on the shore serves as a sign of fellowship and restoration for the disciples. He not only provides the meal [[John 21:9]] but also includes the disciples' own catch, affirming their work and inviting them to eat with him ([[John 21:10]], [[John 21:13]]).
* **Association with Bread:** The consistent pairing of **fish** `{{G3795}}` with bread `{{G740}}` establishes it as a staple food item used by Jesus to provide both physical sustenance and profound spiritual lessons.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3795}}` **opsárion** is a specific term for **fish** used exclusively in John's Gospel to highlight key moments of divine power and personal communion. Whether as part of a miraculous multiplication or a simple breakfast prepared by the resurrected Lord, this word is central to narratives demonstrating Jesus's role as a provider for both the body and the soul.
TRV