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.
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.
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.
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.
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