φάγος (phagos)
phagos
glutton
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phagos describes a person who eats with excessive or voracious appetite, commonly translated as "glutton." Its meaning derives directly from the verb phago, which simply means "to eat," so the word itself carries no inherent moral judgment about food quality or quantity. Instead, it points to a habitual pattern of consumption that exceeds normal bounds.
Scripture uses this term only twice, both in the Gospels, where it appears as part of a sharp contrast. In Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34, Jesus is accused by critics of being "a glutton and a drunkard" because he associates with tax collectors and sinners. The accusation relies on the stereotype that heavy eating signals moral laxity or lack of self-control.
The irony lies in the context: Jesus was not actually overindulging but rather engaging freely with society. The sources highlight that phagos here functions as a slur, reflecting the critics' misunderstanding of his mission rather than describing his actual behavior. Translators retain "glutton" to preserve this historical charge against Jesus.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phagos appears in Scripture as a harsh label, yet its context reveals a profound truth about how we are judged by others. Jesus was called a glutton simply because He shared meals with those society rejected. This shows that our actions, especially acts of grace and inclusion, can be twisted into accusations by those who prefer rigid boundaries over compassionate connection.
For your own life, this offers a quiet comfort. When you try to do good or show kindness, you may face misunderstanding or unfair criticism. It does not mean you have failed; it often means you are stepping outside the narrow expectations of others. Like Jesus, your integrity is defined by your obedience to God, not by the gossip of critics.
Let this free you from the need to manage everyone’s opinion of you. Your worth is secure in Christ, regardless of how others label your choices. You can continue to love freely and eat simply, knowing that wisdom is vindicated by its fruits, not by public approval.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a glutton2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φάγος2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 11:19
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
This verse highlights the irony that Jesus’ willingness to share ordinary meals with outcasts was twisted into a moral failing by His critics.
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Luke 7:34
The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
Here the same accusation is used to dismiss Jesus’ ministry, showing how labels can be weaponized to avoid engaging with difficult truths.