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προσφάγιον (prosphagion)

prosphagion

fish

G4371 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun prosphagion refers to a side dish or relish eaten alongside bread, specifically pointing to cooked fish or meat. In the first century, this was not a main course but a savory accompaniment that added flavor and substance to a simple meal of bread.

Its usage appears only once in the New Testament, in John 21:5, when the risen Jesus asks his disciples by the sea if they have caught any prosphagia. This specific term highlights the ordinary, humble nature of their breakfast, contrasting sharply with the miraculous catch that follows and underscoring the familiarity of the encounter.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word prosphagion points to a simple side dish, often cooked fish or meat, eaten with bread in the first century. It was not a grand feast but a humble relish that added flavor to everyday life. In John 21:5, Jesus asks his disciples if they have any of this food after a night of empty nets. This detail grounds the divine encounter in the ordinary rhythms of daily sustenance.

For your faith, this reminds us that God meets us in our mundane moments. He does not wait for perfect conditions or grand gestures to draw near. Instead, He comes to tired fishermen with an empty boat, offering breakfast and restoration. Your daily routines, however small they seem, are the very places where Christ can appear and renew your strength.

When you feel weary from striving without result, remember this scene. Jesus knows your emptiness before you speak of it. He invites you to rest at His table, turning your empty nets into a moment of grace and shared meal.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • fish1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • προσφάγιον1×

Key Verses

  • John 21:5
    Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.”

    This verse uses the term to highlight the disciples' lack of provision despite their efforts, setting the stage for Jesus' miraculous intervention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does prosphagion mean in the Bible?

Prosphagion refers to a side dish or relish, typically cooked fish or meat, eaten with bread. In John 21:5, it describes the humble breakfast Jesus asks his disciples about after their night of fishing.

Why is this word only used once in the New Testament?

It appears exclusively in John 21:5 to emphasize the specific, ordinary nature of the meal. The uniqueness underscores how Jesus met his followers in a very human, everyday context rather than a formal religious setting.

How does this word relate to the miraculous catch of fish?

The mention of prosphagion highlights the disciples' initial failure and emptiness. Jesus then provides far more than a side dish, offering a massive catch that demonstrates His power and care for their physical needs.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

John 1 verse
John 21:5

Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.”