ὀψάριον (opsarion)
opsarion
fish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun opsarion refers specifically to a small fish or a piece of cooked fish. In the New Testament, it appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, always within the context of meals involving Jesus and his disciples. The word is a diminutive form, suggesting not just any fish, but a modest portion or a small specimen.
This term surfaces in two key narratives: the feeding of the five thousand and the post-resurrection breakfast by the Sea of Galilee. In John 6:9, a boy offers five barley loaves and two opsaria, highlighting the humble nature of the provision before it is multiplied. Later, in John 21, Jesus prepares a charcoal fire with bread and fish, using this specific word to describe the meal served to the stunned disciples.
The consistent use of this small-scale term underscores themes of divine provision through ordinary means. Whether describing the initial offering that seemed insufficient or the miraculous abundance that followed, opsarion points to how God often works through simple, tangible elements to meet human needs and reveal his presence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word opsarion refers to a small piece of cooked fish, often used in the New Testament to describe humble provisions. In John’s Gospel, it appears when a boy offers just two small fish alongside five barley loaves. This modest offering becomes the means through which Jesus feeds a vast crowd, showing that God can multiply what we have, however small it seems.
Later, after His resurrection, Jesus prepares a charcoal fire with bread and opsarion for His disciples by the Sea of Galilee. This simple meal restores them, reminding us that Christ meets us in everyday moments. Whether in times of scarcity or restoration, He uses ordinary things to sustain our faith.
This word encourages us to trust God with what we have today. He does not require perfection or abundance; He works through our willingness to offer even the smallest portion. In doing so, He transforms our limited resources into something that nourishes both body and soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fish4×
- small fish;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀψάριον2×
- ὀψαρίων2×
- ὀψάρια·1×
Key Verses
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John 6:9
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?”
This verse highlights the humility of the boy’s offering, setting the stage for Jesus to demonstrate how small gifts can be multiplied by divine power.
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John 21:9
So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.
Here, the presence of fish on the charcoal fire signals Jesus’ post-resurrection care, providing tangible comfort to His stunned disciples.
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John 21:13
Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.
Jesus personally serves the bread and fish, emphasizing His role as provider and healer in a moment of restoration and fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does opsarion mean in the Bible?
Why is opsarion significant in John 6:9?
How is opsarion different from other words for fish?
Where else does opsarion appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
John 5 verses
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?”
John 6:11Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were…
John 21:9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.
John 21:10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.”
John 21:13Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.