σιτευτός (siteutos)
siteutos
fattened
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective siteutos describes an animal that has been specially fed to become plump and ready for slaughter. Derived from a root meaning "to feed," it carries the specific sense of being fattened up, rather than simply well-nourished. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the Gospel of Luke.
Its most notable usage occurs in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When the wayward son returns home, his father commands that the "fattened calf" be killed to celebrate his restoration (Luke 15:23). The older brother later complains about this same meal, noting how much care was put into raising it (Luke 15:30). The word highlights the value and cost of the celebration, emphasizing the father's generous hospitality.
Translators typically render siteutos as "fatted" or "fattened," preserving the image of a prized animal prepared for a feast. This detail underscores the magnitude of the reconciliation, showing that the family was willing to sacrifice something valuable to mark the occasion. The term anchors the story in the tangible realities of rural life, where such preparations were significant acts of honor.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word siteutos describes an animal specially fed to become plump and ready for a feast. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears only three times, all within the Parable of the Prodigal Son. When the wayward son returns home, his father does not offer a simple meal. He commands that the fattened calf be killed to celebrate this restoration.
This detail highlights the cost and value of the celebration. The family was willing to sacrifice something precious to mark the occasion. It shows that reconciliation is not cheap but comes with significant generosity and honor. The father’s actions demonstrate deep joy and a desire to restore full relationship.
For your faith, this image reminds you that God’s welcome is abundant. He does not offer scraps but prepares a feast. His love is active, costly, and celebratory. You are invited to rest in this generous grace, knowing you are valued and welcomed with open arms.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fattened,2×
- fattened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σιτευτόν,2×
- σιτευτὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 15:23
Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;
This verse initiates the celebration by commanding the slaughter of the prized animal, showing the father's immediate joy in his son's return.
-
Luke 15:27
He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’
The servant reports the event to the older brother, confirming that the calf was killed specifically because the younger son was received back safe and healthy.
-
Luke 15:30
But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
The older brother uses the word to highlight his own sense of unfairness, contrasting his years of service with the lavish treatment given to the wayward son.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word siteutos mean?
Where does siteutos appear in the Bible?
Why is the fattened calf significant in the parable?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Luke 3 verses
Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let’s eat and celebrate;
Luke 15:27He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back…
Luke 15:30But when this your son came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’