ψωμίον (psōmion)
psōmion
piece
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun psōmion refers to a small piece or fragment of food, specifically a morsel or bite. It is the diminutive form of psōmos, emphasizing the small size of what is being eaten. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, all within the Gospel of John.
The most significant usage occurs during the Last Supper narrative in John 13:26-30. Jesus identifies his betrayer by dipping a morsel of bread and giving it to Judas Iscariot. This specific detail highlights the intimacy of the meal and the gravity of the betrayal, as the act of sharing food was a sign of fellowship. The subsequent verses describe Satan entering Judas after he receives this piece, marking a turning point in the narrative.
Translators typically render psōmion as "piece" or "morsel," capturing its concrete, physical nature. Unlike broader terms for bread or meal, this word focuses on the small portion itself. Its limited occurrence underscores the unique importance of this specific moment in John’s Gospel, where a simple act of sharing food reveals deep spiritual realities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word psōmion describes a small piece or morsel of food. In John’s Gospel, this tiny detail carries heavy weight. Jesus dips a piece of bread and gives it to Judas. This simple act shows how intimacy can be twisted into betrayal. A shared meal usually signals friendship, yet here it marks the moment darkness enters.
For your faith, this reminds us that God meets us in ordinary moments. He uses small things—like a bite of bread or a kind word—to reveal deep truths. We do not need grand gestures to encounter Him. Often, His presence is found in the quiet, everyday acts of love and fellowship we share with others.
When you sit at a table today, remember this scene. Your small acts of kindness matter to God. They are not insignificant. He sees the heart behind the gesture. Let your daily meals be moments of grace, where you offer peace and connection to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- morsel3×
- morsel,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ψωμίον3×
- ψωμίον,1×
Key Verses
-
John 13:26
Jesus therefore answered, “It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.
Jesus uses the act of giving this specific morsel to identify Judas as his betrayer, turning a sign of fellowship into a moment of solemn revelation.
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John 13:27
After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
Immediately after receiving the piece, Satan enters Judas, showing how this small physical act became the threshold for spiritual darkness.
-
John 13:30
Therefore having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.
Judas leaves at once after taking the morsel, and the narrative notes it was night, symbolizing his final departure into separation from the light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does psōmion mean in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in John 13?
How is psōmion different from other words for food?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
John 3 verses
Jesus therefore answered, “It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had…
John 13:27After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
John 13:30Therefore having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.