βρῶσις (brōsis)
brōsis
eating
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun brōsis simply means "eating" or "food." In the New Testament it appears in ten verses, often paired with drinking (pōsis) to describe physical sustenance. Paul uses this pairing in Romans 14:17 and Colossians 2:16 to argue that spiritual life is not defined by what we consume, but by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
It carries a darker nuance as well. In Matthew 6:19-20, Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth where moths destroy (brōsis) and rust corrodes. Here the word describes physical decay, contrasting with eternal value. John also uses it metaphorically in chapter 6, where Jesus speaks of food that perishes versus the spiritual nourishment that leads to eternal life.
The term derives from the verb for eating, emphasizing the act itself rather than just the object. Translators usually render it "eating" or "food," depending on context. Its usage highlights a clear distinction between temporary physical needs and lasting spiritual reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about eating in Scripture, it often points to something deeper than a daily meal. Jesus used this word to show that while our bodies need food, our souls need something lasting. He spoke of a spiritual nourishment that satisfies the heart in ways that physical bread never can.
This distinction helps us find peace when we feel anxious about what we lack. Instead of worrying only about temporary needs, we can look for the righteousness and joy that come from God. True satisfaction is found not in what we consume, but in who we trust.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- food5×
- rust2×
- eating2×
- meal1×
- food,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βρῶσιν4×
- βρῶσις3×
- βρώσεως2×
- βρῶσις,1×
- βρώσει1×
Key Verses
-
John 6:27
Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him.”
Jesus contrasts perishable food with eternal life, showing that spiritual sustenance outlasts physical hunger.
-
Romans 14:17
for God’s Kingdom is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul clarifies that the Kingdom of God is defined by righteousness and peace rather than dietary habits.
-
Matthew 6:19
“Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;
The word describes how earthly treasures decay, highlighting the futility of storing wealth that can be lost.