from a derivative of σῖτος; grained, i.e. fatted:--fatling.
Transliteration:sitistós
Pronunciation:sit-is-tos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective σιτιστός (sitistós), Strong's G4619, derives from σῖτος (sitos, G4621), meaning "grain" or "food." Thus, σιτιστός literally describes something that has been "fed with grain" or "fattened." Its primary semantic range encompasses the state of being well-fed, plump, or specifically "fatted," referring almost exclusively to animals prepared for a special occasion, such as a feast or sacrifice. The term implies intentional nourishment and preparation, distinguishing it from merely being "fat" by nature. It connotes a state of prime condition, often signifying value, abundance, and readiness for a significant event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word σιτιστός (sitistós) appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke's Gospel, where it is consistently used to describe the "fatted calf" (τὸν μόσχον τὸν σιτιστόν).
* In [[Luke 15:23]], the father commands his servants, "Bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate." This immediate instruction upon the prodigal son's return highlights the extraordinary nature of the welcome. The "fatted calf" is not a common meal but a symbol of lavish celebration and honor.
* The phrase is repeated in [[Luke 15:27]] by a servant explaining the commotion to the elder brother: "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has received him back safe and sound." This reiterates the significance of the animal as the centerpiece of the celebration.
* Finally, in [[Luke 15:30]], the elder brother bitterly complains to his father, "But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him." Here, the fatted calf serves as a stark contrast to the elder brother's perceived lack of recognition, emphasizing the father's extravagant generosity towards the repentant younger son.
In each instance, the "fatted calf" symbolizes the highest form of welcome, honor, and celebration, reserved for a momentous occasion. Its preparation signifies a pre-meditated act of generosity and joy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words and concepts are closely related to σιτιστός (sitistós):
* **σῖτος (sitos, G4621):** The root word for "grain" or "food," underscoring the means by which the animal was fattened.
* **μόσχος (moschos, G3448):** "Calf," the specific animal designated for fattening in the Lukan passages. The combination "fatted calf" (μόσχον τὸν σιτιστόν) is a fixed expression.
* **θυσία (thysia, G2378):** "Sacrifice" or "offering." While the fatted calf in Luke is for a feast, not explicitly a sin offering, animals prepared in this manner were historically used for significant sacrifices and communal meals associated with such offerings, signifying a special dedication or celebration before God.
* **εὐφραίνω (euphraino, G2165):** "To make merry," "to rejoice." This verb describes the atmosphere and purpose of the feast involving the fatted calf in [[Luke 15:23]], [[Luke 15:24]], and [[Luke 15:29]], highlighting the profound joy associated with the son's return.
* **Hebrew Parallels:** In the Old Testament, similar concepts are conveyed by words like מריא (mariy', H4806), meaning "fatling" or "fatted beast" (e.g., [[1 Kings 1:9]], [[Isaiah 11:6]], [[Ezekiel 39:18]]), often denoting animals prepared for sacrifice or royal feasts, signifying abundance and honor. שמן (shamen, H8082), meaning "fat" or "rich," also carries connotations of prosperity and blessing.
### Theological Significance
The "fatted calf" (μόσχον τὸν σιτιστόν) in the Parable of the Prodigal Son carries profound theological significance:
1. **Divine Grace and Abundance:** The killing of the fatted calf represents the lavish, unmerited grace of God. The father's response to the repentant son is not mere acceptance but an overflowing, extravagant demonstration of love and provision. It signifies that God's forgiveness is not grudging but bountiful, offering a full restoration to fellowship and honor.
2. **Joy over Repentance:** The feast with the fatted calf symbolizes the immense joy in heaven over one sinner who repents ([[Luke 15:7]], [[Luke 15:10]]). The father's command to celebrate with the best provisions underscores the divine delight in reconciliation.
3. **Complete Restoration and Honor:** The fatted calf is a symbol of the son's complete restoration to his former status, perhaps even to a position of greater honor. He is not merely welcomed back as a hired servant but as a beloved son, deserving of the most precious and celebratory meal. This illustrates God's desire to fully restore those who return to Him, granting them dignity and a place at His table.
4. **Foreshadowing of the Messianic Banquet:** The celebratory feast can be seen as an earthly echo or a type of the eschatological banquet, the great feast of the Kingdom of God, where the redeemed will share in the full joy and abundance of God's presence (cf. [[Isaiah 25:6]], [[Revelation 19:9]]).
### Summary
The Greek word σιτιστός (sitistós, G4619) literally means "fattened" or "fed with grain," signifying an animal specially prepared for a significant event. Its exclusive New Testament usage in the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke's Gospel highlights the "fatted calf" as a central symbol. Theologically, the fatted calf represents the boundless and extravagant grace of God, His immense joy over the repentance of a sinner, and the complete restoration and honor bestowed upon those who return to Him. It underscores the lavishness of divine forgiveness and the celebratory nature of reconciliation, pointing towards the abundant provision and joyous fellowship found in God's presence.
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