neuter of a presumed derivative of a compound of πρός and φάγω; something eaten in addition to bread, i.e. a relish (specially, fish; compare ὀψάριον):--meat.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term prosphágion (`{{G4371}}`) is a neuter noun derived from a compound of prós (πρός, `{{G4314}}`, "to, toward, in addition to") and phágō (φάγω, `{{G5315}}`, "to eat"). Its core meaning is "something eaten in addition to bread," or a "relish." This definition highlights its function as an accompaniment, not the main staple. While it can broadly refer to any side dish, the Strong's definition specifically notes "fish" as its primary application, drawing a comparison to opsárion (ὀψάριον, `{{G3795}}`), which also denotes fish, especially small ones eaten with bread. Thus, prosphágion signifies an item that enhances or supplements the basic diet, making the meal more complete or palatable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word prosphágion (`{{G4371}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 21:5]]**: "Then Jesus said to them, 'Children, do you have any prosphágion?' They answered him, 'No.'"
This solitary occurrence is deeply significant, set in the context of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to seven of His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, having toiled all night fishing without success, are asked by the unrecognized Jesus if they have "any prosphágion." The immediate context implies Jesus is asking if they have any fish, which would serve as the relish to accompany their bread, a common staple of the time. Their negative reply ("No") underscores their utter lack of success and, by extension, their need. This question directly precedes the miraculous catch of 153 large fish, followed by Jesus inviting them to a breakfast He Himself had prepared, which included bread and fish. The use of prosphágion here highlights the disciples' physical need and sets the stage for Jesus' divine provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding prosphágion (`{{G4371}}`) is enriched by examining its etymological components and related terms:
* **prós (πρός, `{{G4314}}`):** This preposition signifies direction, relation, or addition, emphasizing that prosphágion is "in addition to" something else, typically bread.
* **phágō (φάγω, `{{G5315}}`):** The verb "to eat" forms the root of the noun, directly linking it to the act of consumption.
* **opsárion (ὀψάριον, `{{G3795}}`):** This term, also meaning "fish," is explicitly compared to prosphágion in the Strong's definition. In John's Gospel, opsárion is used more frequently (e.g., [[John 6:9]], [[John 6:11]], [[John 6:22]], [[John 21:9]], [[John 21:10]], [[John 21:13]]) to refer to the fish Jesus multiplies or provides. While opsárion specifically denotes "fish," prosphágion carries the broader nuance of "something to eat with bread," with fish being the primary example in this context.
* **ártos (ἄρτος, `{{G740}}`):** "Bread," the fundamental food item that prosphágion supplements. The pairing of bread and fish is a recurring motif in John's Gospel, particularly in the feeding miracles and the post-resurrection breakfast.
* **brōma (βρῶμα, `{{G1033}}`):** A general term for "food."
* **trophē (τροφή, `{{G5160}}`):** "Nourishment" or "food," often with an emphasis on sustenance.
Conceptually, prosphágion relates to themes of provision, sustenance, daily needs, and the fellowship of shared meals.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of prosphágion (`{{G4371}}`) in [[John 21:5]] carries profound theological weight, particularly within the narrative of Jesus' post-resurrection ministry:
1. **Jesus as the Divine Provider:** The disciples' inability to catch prosphágion highlights their human limitations and need. Jesus, in contrast, miraculously provides an abundance of fish, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation and His continued care for His disciples' physical needs. This echoes His earlier feeding miracles (e.g., [[John 6:1-14]]) and underscores His identity as the ultimate source of sustenance, both physical and spiritual.
2. **Restoration and Reaffirmation:** The entire scene in [[John 21]] is one of restoration for the disciples, especially Peter. Jesus' question about prosphágion and His subsequent provision are acts of grace that precede the intimate breakfast meal and Jesus' commission to Peter. It signifies that even in their failure, Jesus meets them at their point of need and prepares them for renewed service.
3. **The Reality of the Resurrection:** The shared meal, including prosphágion (fish) and bread, emphasizes the tangible reality of Jesus' resurrected body. He is not a ghost but partakes in a physical meal with them, grounding the resurrection in a concrete, experiential reality for His followers.
4. **Forecasting the Mission:** The miraculous catch of fish, which provides the prosphágion, serves as a powerful symbol for the disciples' future mission as "fishers of men" ([[Matthew 4:19]]). Just as Jesus provided the physical prosphágion, He would enable them to gather a great harvest of souls, providing spiritual sustenance to a hungry world.
### Summary
Prosphágion (`{{G4371}}`) precisely denotes "something eaten in addition to bread," primarily referring to fish in its New Testament context. Its sole occurrence in [[John 21:5]] is pivotal, illustrating the disciples' lack and Jesus' immediate, miraculous provision. Theologically, this term underscores Jesus' role as the divine provider who meets both physical and spiritual needs, reaffirms the reality of His resurrection, and symbolically foreshadows the abundant harvest of souls in the Christian mission. It speaks to the intimate care of the risen Christ for His disciples, providing for them even in their moments of failure and preparing them for continued service.
TRV