κρέας (kreas)
kreas
meat
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kreas refers specifically to the flesh of an animal, particularly when prepared as food. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times within Paul’s discussions on Christian freedom and conscience in Romans 14:21 and 1 Corinthians 8:13. The word denotes tangible, physical sustenance rather than the human body or general biological tissue.
Its usage highlights the tension between personal liberty and love for others. Paul argues that if eating this kind of meat causes a fellow believer to stumble, he would never eat it again. This context distinguishes kreas from abstract concepts; it is concrete food that can become a stumbling block when consumed without regard for another’s conscience.
The term likely derives from the root meaning flesh or meat, closely related to the Hebrew basar found in the Septuagint. By limiting its occurrence to these specific ethical dilemmas, the text emphasizes that even permissible actions like eating meat must be governed by love and consideration for the spiritual well-being of the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kreas refers specifically to animal flesh prepared as food. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Paul’s letters to early Christian communities. These passages address a practical tension: how to balance personal freedom with love for others. Paul does not forbid eating meat but warns that using this freedom without regard for a fellow believer’s conscience can cause harm.
This teaching invites us to examine our own choices. When we exercise liberty, we must ask whether it builds up or weakens those around us. The goal is not rigid rule-keeping but active love. By limiting your rights for the sake of another’s spiritual well-being, you reflect the self-giving nature of Christ. This approach fosters unity and protects the faith of others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- meat2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κρέα2×
Key Verses
-
Romans 14:21
It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
Paul explicitly links abstaining from meat to preventing a brother from stumbling, showing that kreas is a tangible item where love overrides liberty.
-
I Corinthians 8:13
Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will eat no meat forever more, that I don’t cause my brother to stumble.
Paul makes a personal vow never to eat meat again if it causes another believer to stumble, emphasizing the high cost of loving consideration.