ἄριστον (ariston)
ariston
early meal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ariston primarily denotes the first meal of the day, taken in the morning before work begins. In its earliest and most literal sense, it refers to breakfast, establishing a rhythm of daily life rooted in ancient agricultural routines where energy was needed early.
However, as Greek evolved, the term shifted to mean dinner or the main evening meal. This semantic change is visible in the New Testament, particularly in Luke’s Gospel. In Luke 14:12 and 14:38, Jesus uses ariston when discussing hosting banquets, reflecting this later usage where it signifies a substantial midday or evening feast rather than a morning snack.
This dual meaning highlights how language adapts to cultural shifts in meal times. While Matthew’s account of the wedding banquet (Matthew 22:4) also employs the word, Luke provides the clearest examples of its use for larger social gatherings. The variation shows that ariston could mean either the first light meal or the principal feast, depending on the context and time period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ariston reminds us that daily life is built on shared moments. Whether it was a simple morning bite or a grand evening feast, food has always been a way people connect. In the New Testament, Jesus uses this term to invite others into relationship, showing that hospitality is central to faith.
When we look at how ariston is used, we see two sides of human connection. Sometimes it marks the start of a day with energy and purpose. Other times, it signals a time for celebration and generosity. Jesus’ parables use these meals to teach us about welcoming everyone, even those who cannot repay us.
This word invites you to consider your own table. How do you create space for others? The Bible suggests that breaking bread together is more than just eating; it is an act of love and inclusion. May your home be a place where people feel seen and valued.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dinner.1×
- dinner1×
- a dinner1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄριστόν1×
- ἄριστον1×
- ἀρίστου.¶1×
Key Verses
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Luke 14:12
He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, don’t call your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back.
Jesus uses this word to redefine hospitality, urging hosts to invite the poor and marginalized rather than just those who can return the favor.
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Matthew 22:4
Again he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My cattle and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding feast!”’
The king uses this term for a grand feast, symbolizing God’s generous invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven for all people.
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Luke 11:38
When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner.
This occurrence highlights a cultural contrast where Jesus’ lack of ritual washing before the meal shocks the Pharisee, emphasizing inner purity over external form.