τροφή

food, nourishment

Definition

τροφή (trophē) primarily means 'food' or 'nourishment' in the literal, physical sense, as seen in passages like Matthew 3:4, describing John the Baptist's diet, and Acts 2:46, where believers shared meals. It can also refer to the broader concept of 'sustenance' or 'maintenance,' encompassing what is necessary for physical life, as in Jesus's teaching about not being anxious for 'food and drink' in Matthew 6:25. In a metaphorical or extended sense, it can represent provision or what sustains a person, such as in the parable of the faithful servant who gives the household their 'food at the proper time' (Matthew 24:45), implying responsible care and supply.

Biblical Usage

The word is used 16 times in the New Testament, appearing across the Gospels, Acts, and one occurrence in Hebrews. Its usage is consistently literal, referring to physical nourishment. It appears in teachings of Jesus about God's provision and anxiety (Matthew 6:25, Luke 12:23), in narratives describing meals and hospitality (John 4:8, Acts 9:19), and in instructions for ministry support (Matthew 10:10). There is a notable concentration in the Synoptic Gospels' teachings on daily trust in God.

Etymology

Derived from the verb τρέφω (trephō, G5142), meaning 'to nourish, feed, or rear.' The noun τροφή directly denotes the result or means of that nourishing action—'that which is fed' or 'nourishment.' It is related to other words in the 'nourishment' word group, emphasizing growth and sustenance.

Semantic Range

While a common word for food, τροφή gains theological significance in Jesus's teachings. It is a key term in passages about God's faithful provision and the call to trust Him for daily needs, contrasting earthly anxiety with heavenly priorities (Matthew 6:25-34). Understanding this Greek term highlights that God's care extends to the most basic physical necessities, grounding His fatherly love in tangible reality. It also underscores the importance of community and sharing in the early church, as breaking bread (Acts 2:46) was an act of fellowship and sustenance.

In the first-century Mediterranean world, 'food' (τροφή) was not merely about calories but a central aspect of hospitality, social bonds, and economic survival. Shared meals signified fellowship, covenant, and unity. The concern for daily food in Jesus's audience was immediate, as many lived at a subsistence level, making His command not to worry profoundly counter-cultural. The term encompassed the basic staples of the diet, like bread, fish, and oil.

βρῶμα (brōma, G1033) — a more general term for 'food' or 'that which is eaten,' often used for solid food. σιτία (sitia, G4620) — provisions or food supplies, often in the plural. ἐδώδιμον (edōdimon, G2069) — 'something edible.'

Word Details

Scripture References