ἐπισιτισμός (episitismos)
episitismos
food
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun episitismos refers to provisions or food supplies, specifically those gathered for a journey or group. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 9:12, when the disciples suggest sending the crowd away to find lodging and sustenance in nearby villages.
Its meaning comes from its root verb, which means to supply with provisions. This connects the word to the practical act of foraging or preparing food rather than just the abstract concept of eating. The sources note that it is used in the Septuagint for similar contexts of gathering supplies, such as in Genesis 42:25.
Translators typically render it as "food" or "provisions." This choice highlights the tangible need of the people rather than a spiritual metaphor. The word underscores the physical reality of Jesus’ ministry, where human needs for basic sustenance were met alongside teaching and healing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word episitismos points to the very real, physical need for food and provisions. In Luke 9:12, the disciples feel overwhelmed by the crowd’s hunger and suggest sending everyone away to find supplies in nearby villages. This moment reminds us that Jesus cares about our basic human needs. He does not ignore the fact that people are tired or hungry; instead, He meets those needs with compassion.
Even when resources seem scarce, God provides. The disciples saw only a deserted place and limited food, but Jesus showed them that His power can multiply what we have. This story encourages us to trust Him in our own moments of shortage. Whether you face financial stress or physical exhaustion, remember that the same Lord who fed thousands is attentive to your daily bread.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- provisions;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐπισιτισμόν·1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:12
The day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms and lodge and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.”
This verse captures the disciples' practical concern for the crowd's hunger, highlighting Jesus' attention to physical needs alongside spiritual teaching.