from the alternate of πίνω; a drinking (the act), i.e. (concretely) a draught:--drink.
Transliteration:pósis
Pronunciation:pos'-is
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πόσις (pósis), Strong's `{{G4213}}`, denotes the act of drinking or, concretely, a draught or beverage. It is derived from the verb πίνω (pinō), `{{G4095}}`, meaning "to drink." Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing specifically on the physical consumption of liquids. Unlike its verbal root which appears frequently in various contexts, pósis itself is rare in the New Testament, appearing only once. This singular occurrence, however, carries significant theological weight within its specific context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πόσις (pósis) appears exclusively in [[Colossians 2:16]]: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." In this verse, pósis is paired with βρῶσις (brōsis), `{{G1035}}`, meaning "eating" or "food," to form a comprehensive reference to dietary regulations. Paul's admonition to the Colossian believers addresses a specific challenge they faced: the influence of false teachers who were imposing legalistic requirements, including adherence to Old Testament dietary laws and ceremonial observances.
The context of [[Colossians 2:16]] is crucial. Paul emphasizes Christian liberty and the sufficiency of Christ's work, which has fulfilled the shadows of the Old Covenant law. The "food and drink" mentioned here are not inherently evil, but the *judgment* based on their consumption or abstention is condemned. The false teachers were likely advocating for ascetic practices or strict adherence to Mosaic dietary laws as a means of achieving spiritual maturity or righteousness. Paul counters this by asserting that such external observances are merely "a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" [[Colossians 2:17]]. The use of pósis here highlights the specific nature of these imposed regulations, encompassing all aspects of dietary control.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, πόσις (pósis) is directly related to the verb πίνω (pinō, `{{G4095}}`), "to drink," which is far more common in the New Testament and used in a variety of literal and metaphorical senses (e.g., drinking water, drinking the cup of suffering, drinking living water).
Other related terms include:
* βρῶσις (brōsis, `{{G1035}}`): "eating" or "food," often paired with pósis as in [[Colossians 2:16]] and [[Romans 14:17]] ("the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking").
* βρῶμα (brōma, `{{G1033}}`): "food" or "meat," another general term for sustenance.
The concept of "food and drink" (often expressed as βρῶσις καὶ πόσις or βρῶμα καὶ πόμα) is a recurring theme in the New Testament, particularly in discussions of:
* **Christian Liberty:** As seen in [[Colossians 2:16]] and [[Romans 14]], where believers are encouraged not to judge one another over disputable matters concerning food and drink, emphasizing love and conscience over legalistic rules.
* **The Kingdom of God:** [[Romans 14:17]] explicitly states that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit," shifting the focus from external observances to internal spiritual realities.
* **Asceticism:** The Colossian context demonstrates how the denial of certain foods and drinks was part of a broader ascetic philosophy that Paul strongly opposed.
* **The Lord's Supper:** While pósis is not used for the act of partaking in the cup of the Lord's Supper, the broader concept of drinking is central to this ordinance, symbolizing participation in Christ's covenant blood.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of πόσις (pósis) in its sole New Testament occurrence lies in its contribution to Paul's robust defense of Christian liberty and the centrality of Christ. By grouping "drink" with "food," "festival," "new moon," and "Sabbath," Paul places it squarely within the category of Old Covenant shadows that have been fulfilled in Christ.
The Colossian heresy sought to bind believers to external regulations concerning pósis and other observances, implying that such adherence was necessary for spiritual completeness or a deeper walk with God. Paul emphatically refutes this, asserting that Christ alone is the "substance" and that believers are "complete in Him" [[Colossians 2:10]]. The freedom from such regulations is not an invitation to license but a recognition that true spirituality is not found in outward conformity to a legal code but in an inward transformation by the Spirit, rooted in faith in Christ's finished work.
This passage, featuring pósis, therefore serves as a crucial reminder that salvation and spiritual growth are by grace through faith, not by adherence to humanly devised or even divinely ordained (but now fulfilled) regulations concerning diet or ritual. It underscores the danger of legalism, which detracts from the glory of Christ and enslaves believers to external rules rather than liberating them in the Spirit. The focus shifts from what one consumes or abstains from, to the state of one's heart and relationship with God through Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word πόσις (pósis), `{{G4213}}`, meaning "a drinking" or "a draught," appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Colossians 2:16]]. In this critical passage, it is used alongside "food" to represent dietary regulations that false teachers were imposing upon the Colossian believers. Paul's use of pósis here is instrumental in his broader argument for Christian liberty, emphasizing that external observances like dietary laws are mere "shadows" fulfilled in Christ. The theological significance of pósis thus lies in its role within Paul's refutation of legalism, underscoring that true spiritual maturity and righteousness are found in Christ alone, not in adherence to human traditions or Old Covenant regulations concerning food and drink. It serves as a powerful reminder of the freedom believers have in Christ and the sufficiency of His redemptive work.
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