συμπόσιον (sumposion)
sumposion
common meal
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sumposion refers to a social gathering centered on eating and drinking, often with a specific focus on the wine-drinking aspect of the event. In the ancient world, this was not merely a casual dinner but a structured symposium where conversation and fellowship took place alongside consumption. The sources highlight its connection to festive company and the entertainment provided during such occasions.
Although it appears only once in the New Testament, in Mark 6:21, the word carries significant cultural weight. It describes the birthday banquet of Herod Antipas, a lavish event that set the stage for the tragic request for John the Baptist’s head. The term distinguishes this specific type of celebratory feast from other kinds of meals, emphasizing the convivial and often indulgent nature of the gathering.
Etymologically, the word combines a prefix meaning "with" and a root related to drinking, literally translating to a "drinking together." This linguistic structure underscores the communal intent of the event. While modern readers might associate it simply with a party, the ancient context implies a formalized social ritual where guests reclined and shared wine, making it a potent symbol of both joy and, in this biblical instance, dangerous excess.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sumposion describes a formal gathering centered on eating and drinking, where conversation and fellowship were as important as the food itself. In the ancient world, this was a structured event, often involving wine and reclining guests, designed to strengthen social bonds through shared joy.
While it appears only once in the New Testament, its context reminds us that community meals can carry deep significance. The biblical account uses this term for a royal banquet, highlighting how such gatherings reflect both the warmth of human connection and the potential for excess when boundaries are ignored.
For your faith life, this word invites you to value the simple act of breaking bread with others. It encourages gratitude for the gift of community, while also prompting wisdom in how we celebrate, ensuring that our time together builds up rather than harms those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- groups1×
- [by] groups1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- συμπόσια2×