### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phágō**, represented by `{{G5315}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to eat**, both literally and figuratively. It is used as an alternate for `{{G2068}}` ἐσθίω in certain tenses. It appears **105 times** across **90 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its common use for the fundamental act of consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{G5315}}` is used to describe various acts of eating. It refers to physical sustenance, such as when the multitudes were fed and "did all eat, and were filled" [[Matthew 14:20]]. It is also used in the context of celebration, as when the father of the prodigal son declared, "let us **eat**, and be merry" [[Luke 15:23]]. The word also appears in a ceremonial context, such as preparing "to **eat** the passover" [[John 18:28]], and in contexts of prohibition, like the warning against eating "things sacrificed unto idols" [[Revelation 2:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of consumption and sustenance in scripture:
* `{{G2068}}` **esthíō**: As the primary verb for which **phágō** is an alternate, it also means **to eat**, and is often used for the literal act of eating, such as when one who is weak "eateth herbs" [[Romans 14:2]].
* `{{G1033}}` **brōma**: This word for **food** or **meat** refers to the substance being eaten, such as in the statement "meat commendeth us not to God" [[1 Corinthians 8:8]].
* `{{G4095}}` **pínō**: Meaning **to drink**, this word is frequently paired with **phágō** to describe a complete meal or general sustenance, as in the command to take no thought for "what ye shall **eat**, or what ye shall **drink**" [[Matthew 6:25]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx**: This word for **flesh** is what is consumed in some of the most significant uses of **phágō**, particularly in Jesus's command to eat his flesh [[John 6:53]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5315}}` is profound, moving from a physical act to a spiritual metaphor.
* **The Last Supper:** Jesus institutes a core Christian ordinance by saying, "Take, **eat**; this is my body" [[Matthew 26:26]], transforming a meal into an act of remembrance and communion.
* **Spiritual Union:** The concept is elevated to a requirement for eternal life when Jesus states, "Except ye **eat** the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you" [[John 6:53]].
* **Eternal Reward:** In Revelation, eating is presented as a reward for the faithful, who are promised they will "eat of the tree of life" [[Revelation 2:7]] and "eat of the hidden manna" [[Revelation 2:17]].
* **Figurative Judgment:** The word can also carry a sense of destruction, as when the ten horns "shall **eat** her flesh, and burn her with fire" [[Revelation 17:16]] or when James warns that rust "shall **eat** your flesh as it were fire" [[James 5:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5315}}` **phágō** transcends its simple definition. While it denotes the essential, literal act of eating for physical life, it is also used to illustrate foundational spiritual realities. From the fellowship of a shared meal to the Last Supper and the profound spiritual union with Christ, this word demonstrates how a basic human need is used in scripture to convey the deepest truths about sustenance, communion, judgment, and eternal life.
TRV