Lexical Summary deipneó: To dine, to eat a meal, to sup Original Word: δειπνέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to eat, dineFrom deipnon; to dine, i.e. Take the principle (or evening) meal -- sup (X -er). see GREEK deipnon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom deipnon Definition to eat, dine NASB Translation dine (1), eat (2), eaten (1), supper (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1172: δειπνέωδειπνέω, δείπνῳ: (future δειπνήσω; 1 aorist ἐδείπνησα; (δεῖπνον); to sup: Luke 17:8; Luke 22:20 (WH reject the whole passage, see their Appendix); 1 Corinthians 11:25; in an allegory, δειπνήσω μετ' αὐτοῦ, I will make him to share in my most intimate and blissful contact: Revelation 3:20. Topical Lexicon Everyday Background of the Evening MealAmong first-century Jews and Greeks, the principal meal was normally taken after sunset. It provided respite from labor and opportunity for extended conversation. Because households gathered around a single table, the act of “taking supper” naturally became a picture of acceptance, intimacy, and covenantal fellowship. The term rendered “to have supper” therefore carries more than culinary meaning; it evokes relationship, order, and honor within the household economy. Lesson on Servanthood (Luke 17:8) In the parable of the unworthy servant, Jesus asks, “Will he not say to him, ‘Prepare my supper, dress yourself, and serve me while I eat and drink, and after that you may eat and drink’?” (Luke 17:8). The master’s prerogative to be served first underscores a disciple’s ongoing obligation to obey without claim of merit. The supper thus functions as an illustration of rightful priorities: Christ is served before His followers sit at the table. The scene rebukes pride and shapes a theology of humble service that remains crucial for Christian ministry. Institution of the New Covenant (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25) Luke records, “In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you’” (Luke 22:20). Paul preserves the identical tradition: “In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me’” (1 Corinthians 11:25). Here the post-supper cup seals the covenant, linking the Passover deliverance to Christ’s atoning death. The timing “after supper” marks a transition: the symbol-laden meal gives way to the outworking of redemption at the cross. In congregational life the Lord’s Table remains a continual proclamation of that covenant, calling believers to self-examination, unity, and hope until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Personal Fellowship with the Risen Christ (Revelation 3:20) To the complacent church at Laodicea the Lord promises, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20). Supper imagery becomes an eschatological invitation to restored communion. While future consummation awaits the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), present fellowship is offered now to the repentant believer. The gracious condescension of the exalted Christ—entering as guest yet presiding as host—encourages ongoing repentance and intimate devotion. Historical Echoes in Early Christian Practice Early church writers describe “love feasts” (Jude 12) that often culminated in the Eucharist. The pattern of sharing an ordinary meal before partaking of the memorial cup echoes the sequential wording “after supper.” Such gatherings reinforced social equality in Christ, though abuses at Corinth show the need for discipline and discernment (1 Corinthians 11:17-22, 33-34). Ministry Applications Today 1. Servant Leadership: Luke 17:8 reminds ministers that faithful labor precedes personal reward; leaders eat last. Theological Thread Across its four occurrences the verb traces a movement: from servant duty, through covenant inauguration, to ongoing remembrance, and finally to promised consummation. Supper language thereby weaves humility, redemption, fellowship, and hope into one coherent testimony to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations δειπνησαι δειπνήσαι δειπνῆσαι δειπνησω δειπνήσω deipnesai deipnêsai deipnēsai deipnē̂sai deipneso deipnēsō deipnḗso deipnḗsōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 17:8 V-ASA-1SGRK: Ἑτοίμασον τί δειπνήσω καὶ περιζωσάμενος NAS: something for me to eat, and [properly] clothe KJV: wherewith I may sup, and INT: Prepare what I might sup on and having girded yourself about Luke 22:20 V-ANA 1 Corinthians 11:25 V-ANA Revelation 3:20 V-FIA-1S Strong's Greek 1172 |
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