ἐπιούσιος (epiousios)
epiousios
daily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective epiousios appears only twice in the New Testament, in the Lord’s Prayer at Matthew 6:11 and Luke 11:3. It modifies “bread,” creating a unique phrase that translators struggle to capture with a single English word. The most common rendering is “daily,” but this translation rests largely on the Latin Vulgate’s use of quotidianus rather than clear Greek etymology.
Lexical sources suggest several possible origins for this rare word. One view connects it to epiousa, meaning “the coming day,” which would translate the phrase as “bread for tomorrow.” Another derives it from ousia (substance or being), suggesting “bread necessary for existence” or “subsistence.” A third option links it to eimi (to be), implying “bread pertaining to being.” Because the word does not appear elsewhere in ancient Greek literature, scholars debate whether it reflects an Aramaic idiom or a unique theological coinage.
This linguistic uncertainty highlights the prayer’s focus on trust. Whether understood as provision for the immediate future or sustenance for life itself, the request acknowledges dependence on God for basic needs. The rarity of the term underscores its importance, inviting readers to consider the depth of reliance required in asking for daily bread.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word epiousios appears only twice in the New Testament, nestled within the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew and Luke. Its rarity has led scholars to debate its precise meaning for centuries. While most Bibles translate it as “daily,” the Greek term itself is unique, appearing nowhere else in ancient literature. This linguistic mystery invites us to look beyond strict definitions and focus on the heart of the request: a plea for God’s provision.
Some suggest the word points to “bread for tomorrow,” emphasizing trust in future needs. Others link it to ousia (substance), meaning bread necessary for existence or life itself. Regardless of the etymology, the prayer teaches us to rely on God for our basic sustenance. It is a reminder that every meal is a gift, not an entitlement.
This uncertainty is not a flaw but a feature. It encourages believers to seek God’s provision with humility and dependence. Whether you view it as immediate daily need or essential life-sustaining substance, the core message remains the same: we look to God for what we truly need. This simple act of asking fosters a deep sense of reliance on His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- daily2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπιούσιον2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread.
This is the primary instance where Jesus teaches the disciples to ask for epiousios bread, establishing it as a central petition in Christian prayer.
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Luke 11:3
Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luke’s parallel account includes the phrase “day by day,” which reinforces the idea of continuous, ongoing dependence on God for sustenance.