### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **áriston**, represented by `{{G712}}`, refers to the best meal, luncheon, or **dinner**. It is a specific term that appears only **3 times** in **3 unique verses** in the New Testament. Though used infrequently, its context in each case provides insight into social customs, parables, and religious practices of the time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G712}}` sets the stage for significant teachings. In Luke, it is used to teach about true hospitality, where Jesus instructs his host not to invite only those who can repay the favor to a **dinner** [[Luke 14:12]]. In Matthew's gospel, the word is used in the parable of the wedding feast, where a king prepares a great **dinner** for his son's marriage, symbolizing a divine invitation [[Matthew 22:4]]. The third use, also in Luke, occurs when a Pharisee **marvelled** `{{G2296}}` that Jesus did not wash before **dinner**, providing a context for Jesus to address the difference between outward ritual and inner purity [[Luke 11:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to clarify the meaning and context of **áriston**:
* `{{G1173}}` **deîpnon** (feast, supper): Often used in conjunction with **áriston**, it refers to the chief meal, usually in the evening. In [[Luke 14:12]], Jesus mentions making a "**dinner** or a **supper**," distinguishing between two different meal times.
* `{{G1062}}` **gámos** (marriage, wedding): This word provides the celebratory context for the **dinner** in Matthew's parable. The invitation is not just to a meal, but to a **marriage** feast, signifying a joyous and momentous occasion [[Matthew 22:4]].
* `{{G2090}}` **hetoimázō** (to prepare): This verb emphasizes the provision and readiness of the meal. In the parable, the king announces, "I have **prepared** my dinner," indicating that the host has made all necessary arrangements for the guests [[Matthew 22:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G712}}` is derived entirely from its contextual use in parables and teachings.
* **The Great Invitation:** The prepared **dinner** in [[Matthew 22:4]] is a powerful symbol of God's invitation into His kingdom. The feast is ready, with the **oxen** `{{G5022}}` and **fatlings** `{{G4619}}` killed, signifying the complete provision of salvation offered to all who would **come** `{{G1205}}`.
* **Kingdom Hospitality:** In [[Luke 14:12]], the instructions regarding who to invite to a **dinner** redefine hospitality according to kingdom values. It is not a system of social exchange but an opportunity to extend grace to those who cannot offer a **recompence** `{{G468}}`, mirroring God's own grace.
* **Inner Purity over Ritual:** The use of **dinner** in [[Luke 11:38]] serves as a backdrop to contrast true holiness with the external traditions of the **Pharisee** `{{G5330}}`. The meal itself becomes secondary to the spiritual state of the person partaking in it.
### Summary
In summary, while **áriston** `{{G712}}` is a simple term for a meal, its placement in scripture gives it significant weight. It is never mentioned merely as a fact of daily life but is consistently used as a setting for critical teachings about God's kingdom. It illustrates the divine invitation to the messianic feast, defines the nature of selfless kingdom hospitality, and serves as a point of contrast between outward religious ceremony and the true purity of the heart.
TRV