δειπνέω (deipneō)
deipneō
to dine
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb deipneō describes the act of taking the main meal of the day, typically in the evening. It is distinct from lighter snacks or breakfasts, pointing instead to a substantial gathering for dining. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, appearing with notable frequency in the Gospel of Luke and the letters of Paul.
Its usage ranges from literal social meals to profound spiritual imagery. Jesus uses the term when describing household expectations in Luke 17:8 and during the Last Supper narrative in Luke 22:20. Paul references it in 1 Corinthians 11:25 to anchor the institution of the Lord's Supper in a real historical meal.
The most striking application occurs in Revelation 3:20, where Christ stands outside a door and says, "If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with them." Here, deipneō moves beyond simple nutrition to symbolize intimate fellowship. The image suggests that sharing a meal is the ultimate sign of welcome and relationship between the divine and the human.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word deipneō refers to the main evening meal of the day, a time set aside for rest, nourishment, and company. In the ancient world, this was not a quick snack but a significant gathering that marked the end of labor. When Scripture uses this term, it often points to more than just food; it highlights the value of shared presence and intentional fellowship.
In Revelation 3:20, Jesus uses this image to describe an intimate invitation. He stands outside a door and promises to come in and dine with those who open up to Him. This suggests that true relationship with Christ is built on these moments of close, personal connection, where hearts are shared over a table.
Similarly, the Last Supper narratives anchor our faith in a real historical meal. By using this word for the final supper Jesus shared with His disciples, the text reminds us that God meets us in the ordinary rhythms of life. We can find comfort in knowing that our spiritual growth often happens in these quiet, shared moments of trust and remembrance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having supped1×
- eating1×
- I will dine1×
- I may eat,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δειπνῆσαι2×
- δειπνήσω,1×
- δειπνήσω1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.
This verse uses the word to symbolize intimate fellowship, showing that sharing a meal represents the ultimate sign of welcome between Christ and the believer.
-
Luke 22:20
Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Here the term anchors the institution of the Lord's Supper in a real historical context, linking the new covenant directly to the shared experience of a final meal.
-
I Corinthians 11:25
In the same way he also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.”
Paul repeats this usage to emphasize that the memorial of Christ’s death is rooted in the tangible reality of a communal supper, not just abstract theology.