συνεσθίω
sunesthiō
to eat with
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word συνεσθίω (sunesthiō) is a verb that means "to eat with." It is used in the New Testament five times, implying a sense of communal or shared eating. This word highlights the social aspect of eating, emphasizing the act of eating together rather than simply consuming food. The usage of συνεσθίω reveals its significance in ancient Greek culture, where meals were often seen as opportunities for social bonding and community building. This word may indicate a deeper connection between people, suggesting that eating together is not just a physical act but also a way to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. In the context of the New Testament, συνεσθίω may also imply a sense of equality and shared experience among people. When used in a religious context, it could suggest that believers are united in their faith and share a common bond through their relationship with God.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.”
Acts 10:41not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.
Acts 11:3saying, “You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!”
1 Corinthians 5:11But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person.
Galatians 2:12For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.