βρῶμα

food of any kind

Definition

βρῶμα (brōma) fundamentally means 'food' or 'that which is eaten.' In the New Testament, it most often refers to physical, material food of any kind, as seen when the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowds away to buy food (Matthew 14:15, Luke 9:13). However, it also carries a significant metaphorical sense. Jesus uses it to describe doing the will of God as His spiritual 'food' (John 4:34). In Paul's writings, the term becomes a point of ethical and theological discussion regarding food offered to idols and the conscience of fellow believers (Romans 14:15, 20; 1 Corinthians 8:8, 13).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 15 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Pauline epistles. In the Gospels, it consistently refers to literal, physical nourishment (e.g., Mark 7:19, Luke 3:11). In John, it gains a spiritual dimension (John 4:34). Paul uses it almost exclusively in ethical discussions within the church, particularly in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians, debating matters of dietary freedom, conscience, and causing others to stumble.

Etymology

Derived from the verb βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō), meaning 'to eat' or 'to devour.' It is a primary noun form indicating the object that is eaten—'that which is eaten' or 'food.' This root connection emphasizes the basic act of consumption.

Semantic Range

βρῶμα is theologically significant because it bridges the physical and spiritual realms. It highlights the incarnation—Jesus needed physical food, yet His true sustenance was spiritual obedience. In Paul's theology, it becomes a central term in discussions of Christian liberty, the 'weaker brother,' and the principle of love over legalism regarding dietary practices (Romans 14). Understanding this word enriches reading by showing how everyday matters like food are deeply connected to faith, community, and devotion to God.

In the 1st-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, food was a major cultural and religious marker. Jewish dietary laws (kashrut) defined clean and unclean foods. In Gentile contexts, meat was often sacrificed to idols before being sold in the marketplace. Paul's discussions about βρῶμα directly address these tensions, as eating such meat could be a neutral act of sustenance for a mature believer but a severe stumbling block for a new convert with a sensitive conscience.

τροφή (trophē, G5160) — emphasizes nourishment or sustenance, often used for general provisions or support. ἔδεσμα (edesma, G1473) — a more general term for something eaten, a 'victual.'

Word Details

Scripture References