βρώσιμος

eatable, suitable for food

Definition

βρώσιμος is an adjective meaning 'eatable' or 'suitable for food.' It describes something that is fit for human consumption, contrasting with what is inedible or ritually unclean. In its sole New Testament occurrence in Luke 24:41, it is used by the resurrected Jesus when he asks his disciples for something to eat, specifically requesting 'something eatable' to prove his physical, bodily reality. The word carries a straightforward, practical sense of food that can be physically consumed, with no additional metaphorical or ritual layers attached in its biblical usage.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 24:41. The context is the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples, who are startled and think they are seeing a spirit. To demonstrate his physical, bodily resurrection, Jesus asks, 'Have you anything eatable (βρώσιμον) here?' They then give him a piece of broiled fish, which he eats before them. The usage is purely literal and serves the narrative purpose of proving the tangible, non-ghostly nature of the resurrected Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the verb βιβρώσκω (bibrōskō), meaning 'to eat' or 'to devour.' The adjective suffix -σιμος (-simos) indicates capability or fitness, so βρώσιμος literally means 'capable of being eaten' or 'fit for eating.' It is related to the more common noun βρῶμα (brōma, G1033), which means 'food' or 'that which is eaten.'

Semantic Range

While the word itself is mundane, its single use in Luke 24:41 is theologically significant. It directly supports the doctrine of the physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. By requesting and consuming 'something eatable,' Jesus provides tangible proof that he is not a disembodied spirit or ghost, but is raised in a glorified, yet physically real, body. This underscores the Christian hope of bodily resurrection for believers.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the simple request for 'something eatable' would have been understood as a request for ordinary, available food. The offered broiled fish was a common protein source around the Sea of Galilee. The act of sharing a meal was a powerful sign of fellowship and proof of physical presence, as spirits or visions were not thought to consume physical food.

βρῶμα (brōma, G1033) — A noun meaning 'food' or 'that which is eaten,' whereas βρώσιμος is an adjective describing something as food or fit for eating.

Word Details

Scripture References