### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb φάγω (phágō, `{{G5315}}`) primarily means "to eat" or "to consume." It is a primary verb that functions as the aorist (past simple) and future stem for ἐσθίω (esthiō, `{{G2068}}`), which also means "to eat." This interchangeability underscores a shared semantic core related to the act of nourishment. Its semantic range encompasses both literal and figurative applications. Literally, it refers to the physical ingestion of food, whether a full meal or a single item. Figuratively, φάγω can denote a deeper, spiritual consumption or assimilation, as seen in the "Bread of Life" discourse, or even a metaphorical "devouring" in a non-physical sense. It can also be used idiomatically to refer to the act of dining or having a meal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
φάγω (phágō, `{{G5315}}`) is widely attested throughout the New Testament, frequently appearing in contexts that transcend mere physical action, conveying significant theological meaning.
* **Synoptic Gospels:**
* **Jesus Eating with Sinners:** A recurring motif is Jesus' willingness to "eat" with tax collectors and sinners ([[Matthew 9:11]], [[Mark 2:16]], [[Luke 5:30]]). This act of shared meals was a profound statement of inclusion and fellowship, challenging the rigid social and religious boundaries of the day and demonstrating His mission to the marginalized.
* **Miraculous Feedings:** In the accounts of Jesus feeding the multitudes ([[Matthew 14:16]], [[Mark 6:37]], [[Luke 9:13]], [[John 6:5]]), φάγω describes the literal act of consumption. These events not only showcase divine provision but also serve as a precursor to Jesus' teaching about Himself as the true spiritual nourishment.
* **Institution of the Lord's Supper:** At the Last Supper, Jesus commands, "Take, eat; this is my body" ([[Matthew 26:26]], [[Mark 14:22]], [[Luke 22:19]]). Here, the ordinary act of eating bread is transformed into a sacred, covenantal act of remembrance and participation in His sacrificial death.
* **Gospel of John:**
* **Bread of Life Discourse:** John's Gospel presents a profound figurative use of φάγω in the "Bread of Life" discourse ([[John 6:50-58]]). Jesus declares, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." This is not a call to literal cannibalism, but a spiritual imperative to fully appropriate and assimilate Christ's life, teachings, and atoning work as the sole source of eternal life. The challenging nature of this teaching caused many to turn away.
* **Acts of the Apostles:**
* **Early Church Fellowship:** The early believers are depicted as "breaking bread in their homes and eating together with glad and sincere hearts" ([[Acts 2:46]]). This highlights the communal aspect of φάγω, signifying fellowship, shared life, and likely the regular celebration of the Lord's Supper.
* **Peter's Vision:** In Peter's vision, he is commanded, "Rise, Peter; kill and eat" ([[Acts 10:13]], [[Acts 10:13]]), referring to ritually unclean animals. This literal command serves as a symbolic lesson for Peter, preparing him to accept Gentiles into the Christian community without requiring adherence to Mosaic dietary laws.
* **Pauline Epistles:**
* **Food Sacrificed to Idols:** Paul addresses the ethical dilemma of "eating food sacrificed to idols" ([[1 Corinthians 8:8]], [[1 Corinthians 10:28]]). The act of φάγω becomes central to a discussion on Christian liberty, conscience, and the importance of not causing a weaker brother to stumble.
* **Abuse of the Lord's Supper:** Paul rebukes the Corinthians for their disorderly conduct during the Lord's Supper, warning that those who "eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves" ([[1 Corinthians 11:29]]). This emphasizes the solemnity and proper reverence required for this sacred meal.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἐσθίω (esthiō, `{{G2068}}`):** The primary verb for "to eat," with φάγω serving as its aorist and future stem. Both verbs are fundamental to understanding consumption in the New Testament.
* **βρῶμα (brōma, `{{G1033}}`):** "Food," "meat." This noun refers to that which is eaten, derived from the same semantic root.
* **τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`):** "Nourishment," "food." A broader term for sustenance that sustains life.
* **δεῖπνον (deipnon, `{{G1173}}`):** "Dinner," "supper." This noun often refers to the main meal, notably associated with the Last Supper and the Lord's Supper.
* **κοινωνία (koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`):** "Fellowship," "communion," "sharing." The communal act of eating, especially in the early church, was a tangible expression of κοινωνία.
* **ζωή (zōē, `{{G2222}}`):** "Life." Particularly in John 6, the spiritual "eating" of Christ is directly linked to receiving eternal ζωή.
* **σῶμα (sōma, `{{G4983}}`):** "Body." Central to the Lord's Supper, where the bread represents Christ's σῶμα given for humanity.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly mundane act denoted by φάγω (phágō, `{{G5315}}`) carries profound theological significance in the New Testament.
* **Incarnation and Humanity:** Jesus' consistent engagement in eating underscores His full humanity and His solidarity with human experience. His post-resurrection eating further affirms the reality of His physical resurrection.
* **Fellowship and Inclusion:** Jesus' practice of eating with outcasts and sinners revolutionized the concept of religious purity and fellowship. Shared meals became a powerful symbol of reconciliation, acceptance, and the breaking down of social and religious barriers, laying the groundwork for the inclusive nature of the Christian community.
* **Divine Provision and Sustenance:** The miraculous feedings demonstrate God's abundant provision, not only for physical needs but also as a sign pointing to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment. He is the "bread of life" who truly satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul.
* **Covenant and Remembrance (Lord's Supper):** The institution of the Lord's Supper transforms the act of eating and drinking into a sacred, covenantal ritual. To "eat" the bread and "drink" the cup is to remember Christ's sacrificial death, proclaim His saving work, and participate in the new covenant established through His blood. It is a communal act that binds believers to Christ and to one another in His ongoing redemptive work.
* **Spiritual Assimilation and Life:** The most profound theological usage of φάγω is found in John 6, where "eating" Christ's flesh and "drinking" His blood signifies a deep, spiritual assimilation of His life, His words, and His atoning sacrifice. This metaphor emphasizes the absolute necessity of union with Christ—a complete internalizing of His being—as the source of eternal life and spiritual vitality.
* **Ethical Implications:** Paul's discussions on eating food sacrificed to idols highlight the ethical dimensions of φάγω. The act of eating is not morally neutral but can have implications for one's conscience, the conscience of others, and one's witness. It underscores the principle of love overriding personal liberty when it comes to the spiritual well-being of the community.
### Summary
φάγω (phágō, `{{G5315}}`) is a fundamental Greek verb meaning "to eat," serving as the aorist and future stem of ἐσθίω (esthiō, `{{G2068}}`). While denoting a basic physical act, its usage in the New Testament is replete with profound theological meaning. It illuminates Jesus' full humanity, His radical inclusivity through shared meals, and God's miraculous provision. Crucially, φάγω is central to the institution of the Lord's Supper, transforming a common meal into a sacred act of remembrance and covenant participation. In John's Gospel, it reaches its theological pinnacle, metaphorically representing the essential spiritual assimilation of Christ's life and sacrifice for eternal salvation. Furthermore, Pauline epistles reveal the ethical dimensions of eating within the community, emphasizing conscience and love. Thus, φάγω transcends its literal meaning to convey deep truths about fellowship, divine sustenance, covenant, and spiritual union with Christ.
TRV