ἐπιούσιος

for the morrow, necessary, sufficient

Definition

The adjective ἐπιούσιος is famously used in the Lord's Prayer to describe the 'daily bread' we ask God to provide (Matthew 6:11, Luke 11:3). Its precise meaning is debated, but it primarily conveys the idea of what is 'necessary' or 'sufficient' for existence. One major interpretation is 'for the coming day' (i.e., bread for tomorrow), emphasizing a day-by-day dependence on God. Another significant view understands it as 'for subsistence' or 'essential for life,' focusing on what is fundamentally needed to sustain us. Both senses converge on the concept of trusting God for our most basic, immediate needs.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in the same petition of the Lord's Prayer: 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Matthew 6:11, Luke 11:3). Its usage is entirely within the context of prayer and petition, specifically asking God for provision. The pattern is identical in both Gospels, indicating a fixed, memorable formula taught by Jesus for requesting sustenance.

Etymology

The word is a compound, formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon,' 'for,' or 'over') and the root of the noun οὐσία (ousia, meaning 'substance,' 'being,' or 'essence'). A literal rendering could be 'for the substance' or 'pertaining to the essence.' This derivation supports interpretations related to what is essential for life. It is a unique word, not found in other contemporary Greek literature before the New Testament, which adds to its significance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically rich as it defines the nature of our dependence on God. It moves a simple request for food into a profound petition for God's provision of what is truly essential—whether for the immediate future ('for the coming day') or for our fundamental existence ('for subsistence'). It underscores the doctrines of God's providence and our daily trust, rejecting anxiety about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34) and affirming that our ultimate sustenance comes from God, not merely our own labor. Understanding its debated nuances enriches our reading of the Lord's Prayer, highlighting a call to radical, daily reliance on our Heavenly Father.

In the first-century cultural context, 'bread' represented the staple of life and all basic necessities. The petition for 'daily' bread would resonate deeply with day laborers and subsistence farmers who lived hand-to-mouth, receiving wages or food one day at a time. The unique word ἐπιούσιος may have been coined or chosen by Jesus to encapsulate this experience of immediate need and total reliance on God's faithful provision in a precarious economic environment.

ἀρκετός (arketos, G713) — sufficient, enough; focuses on adequacy rather than daily necessity. χρῄζω (chrēizō, G5535) — to need, have need of; a verb expressing the state of necessity itself.

Word Details

Scripture References