probably strengthened from a collateral form of the base of τραῦμα and τρίβος through the idea of corrosion or wear; or perhaps rather of a base of τρυγών and τρίζω through the idea of a craunching sound; to gnaw or chew, i.e. (generally) to eat:--eat.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **trṓgō**, represented by `{{G5176}}`, means **to gnaw or chew, i.e. (generally) to eat**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. While it can describe the ordinary act of eating, its primary significance in scripture is found in its profound theological use, particularly in the Gospel of John.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{G5176}}` shifts from the literal to the deeply symbolic. In Matthew, it describes the mundane activities of life before the flood, where people were "eating and drinking" with no thought of what was to come [[Matthew 24:38]]. In John, the word takes on a more intense meaning. It is used to fulfill a scripture of betrayal, where one who "eateth bread with me" has turned against the speaker [[John 13:18]]. The most significant usage is in John chapter 6, where to "eateth" Christ's flesh is presented as a requirement for having eternal life [[John 6:54]], for dwelling in Him [[John 6:56]], and for living by Him [[John 6:57]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G5176}}` is used:
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat): This word for eating is used in direct contrast to `{{G5176}}` in [[John 6:58]], where the fathers "did eat" manna in the wilderness and died, unlike the one who "eateth" the bread from heaven and will live forever.
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): This is what is eaten in the profound statements of John 6. Believers are commanded to eat Christ's **flesh** to receive life ([[John 6:54]], [[John 6:56]]).
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): Paired with flesh, the act of drinking Christ's **blood** is essential for eternal life and abiding in him ([[John 6:54]], [[John 6:56]]).
* `{{G740}}` **ártos** (bread): The object of eating in several key verses. It is the **bread** shared in betrayal [[John 13:18]] and the heavenly **bread** that gives eternal life when eaten [[John 6:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5176}}` is concentrated in the Gospel of John, where it conveys critical spiritual truths.
* **Intimate Participation:** The act of "eating" Christ's flesh and drinking His blood signifies a profound, personal, and life-sustaining participation in Him. This leads to a mutual indwelling, where the believer "dwelleth in me, and I in him" [[John 6:56]].
* **Source of Eternal Life:** The word is directly linked to salvation. Whoever "eateth" Christ's flesh has eternal life and will be raised up at the last day [[John 6:54]]. This action is contrasted with eating physical food, like manna, which could not prevent death [[John 6:58]].
* **A Conscious Act of Faith:** Unlike its use in Matthew to describe thoughtless, everyday activity, its use in John implies a conscious, deliberate partaking. It represents the active receiving of Christ as the source of all spiritual life, just as He lives by the Father [[John 6:57]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5176}}` is a powerful verb that scripture elevates from a common physical act to a profound spiritual metaphor. While it can denote simple eating, its crucial role is to illustrate the necessity of an intimate and total consumption of the life offered in Jesus Christ. The word starkly contrasts mundane existence with the eternal life that comes only from actively and personally partaking in Him.
TRV