τροφή (trophē)
trophē
food
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun trophe refers to physical nourishment or sustenance, serving as the general term for food in the New Testament. It appears in diverse contexts, from John the Baptist’s diet of locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4) to Jesus’ teaching that life consists of more than mere provisions (Matthew 6:25). The word also describes the shared meals of the early church in Acts 2:46 and the practical care provided to widows or travelers, such as Paul’s assurance to shipwrecked sailors that they would eat before surviving (Acts 27:33–34).
While primarily literal, Hebrews uses trophe metaphorically to distinguish between basic spiritual instruction and mature understanding. The author contrasts "milk" with solid food, noting that those who are unskilled in the word of righteousness cannot handle deeper truths (Hebrews 5:12–14). This usage highlights a progression from simple sustenance to nourishment that supports spiritual maturity, emphasizing that growth requires more than elementary teachings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about trophē, we are reminded that God cares for our basic needs. Jesus pointed out that life is more than just what we eat or wear, yet He also provided for physical hunger. This balance helps us trust that our Father knows what we need while inviting us to seek His kingdom first.
In the early church, sharing meals was a sign of unity and joy. Acts describes believers taking their food with gladness, showing that daily sustenance is part of community life. Whether in times of plenty or scarcity, this word reminds us that God provides for our bodies so we can focus on spiritual growth.
Hebrews uses the image of solid food to describe mature understanding. Just as our bodies need nourishment to grow, our spirits need deeper truths to strengthen us. This progression encourages us to keep learning and growing in faith, knowing that God sustains us every step of the way.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- food4×
- with food2×
- of food2×
- food,2×
- provisions1×
- of food;1×
- food;1×
- food.1×
- [the] food1×
- [than] food1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τροφῆς6×
- τροφῆς·2×
- τροφῆς,2×
- τροφὴν2×
- τροφὴ2×
- τροφῆς.1×
- τροφὰς1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Jesus contrasts physical food with the greater value of life, teaching that trust in God should replace anxiety about daily provisions.
-
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
The author uses solid food as a metaphor for mature spiritual discernment, showing that growth requires practice and deeper understanding.
-
Acts 2:46
Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
This verse highlights how sharing physical food was an expression of the early church's unity and joy in community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does trophe mean in the Bible?
How is trophe used metaphorically?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Now John himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild…
Matthew 6:25Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body,…
Matthew 10:10Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food.
Matthew 24:45“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due…