4371. prosphagion

Lexical Summary

prosphagion: Fish, food, something to eat

Original Word: προσφάγιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: prosphagion
Pronunciation: pros-fag'-ee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-fag'-ee-on)
KJV: meat
NASB: fish
Word Origin: [neuter of a presumed derivative of a compound of G4314 (πρός - against) and G5315 (φάγω - To eat)]

1. something eaten in addition to bread, i.e. a relish (specially, fish)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

fish

Neuter of a presumed derivative of a compound of pros and phago; something eaten in addition to bread, i.e. A relish (specially, fish; compare opsarion) -- meat.

see GREEK pros

see GREEK phago

see GREEK opsarion

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pros and phagomai
Definition
a relish (eaten with bread), spec. fish
NASB Translation
fish (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4371: προσφάγιον

προσφάγιον, προσφαγιου, τό (προσφάγειν (cf. πρός, IV. 2)), equivalent to ὄψον (on which see ὀψάριον), anything eaten with bread (Moeris (edited by Piers., p. 274, 1): ὄψον ἀττικως, προσφάγιον ἑλληνικως): spoken of fish boiled or broiled, John 21:5 (Schol., Lexicons (Moschion 55, p. 26; Roehl, Inscriptions graec. 395 a. 12)). Cf. Fischer, De vitiis lexamples etc., p. 697f; Sturz, Dial. Maced. et Alex., p. 191.

Topical Lexicon

Overview of the Word

While Strong’s Greek 4371 appears only once in the New Testament, its placement in John 21:5 opens a window onto Jesus’ post-resurrection care for His disciples and the broader biblical theme of divine provision.

Context in John 21:5

After an unproductive night of fishing, seven disciples see a figure on the shore. “So Jesus called out to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ ‘No,’ they answered” (John 21:5). The single question exposes their lack and sets the stage for a miracle that will both supply breakfast and reaffirm their calling.

Historical-Cultural Background

Galilean breakfasts were simple: a piece of flat bread accompanied by a relish such as roasted or dried fish caught the previous night. By speaking of the modest side dish that would complete the meal, Jesus meets His disciples in their ordinary world, showing that resurrection life addresses everyday human need.

Theological Themes

1. Resurrection Presence—The risen Lord remains engaged with tangible needs (Luke 24:41-43).
2. Dependence and Provision—Empty nets portray human insufficiency; Christ’s word turns lack into abundance (John 15:5; John 21:6).
3. Fellowship Restored—Sharing food precedes Peter’s reinstatement (John 21:15-17), highlighting table fellowship as a space for reconciliation.
4. Foreshadowing the Messianic Banquet—A humble shoreline meal hints at the ultimate feast prepared for the redeemed (Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9).

Ministry Insights

• Pastoral Care: Meeting practical needs remains integral to gospel ministry (James 2:15-16).
• Discipleship: Addressing followers as “Children” reminds leaders to nurture growth with tenderness.
• Evangelism: The ensuing large catch models gospel fruitfulness when the church obeys Christ’s directives.

Practical Application for Believers

• Present everyday concerns to the Lord; no need is trivial.
• Confessed emptiness invites divine fullness.
• Use shared meals to deepen spiritual conversation and foster restoration.

Related Scriptures on Provision

Exodus 16:4; 1 Kings 17:6; Psalm 23:1; Matthew 6:11; Philippians 4:19.

Conclusion

The solitary appearance of Strong’s Greek 4371 anchors a narrative that binds daily bread to resurrection glory. The Savior who asks about breakfast is the same Lord who invites His people into continual fellowship and anticipates the final banquet of the kingdom.

Forms and Transliterations

προσφαγιον προσφάγιον prosphagion prosphágion

Englishman's Concordance

John 21:5 N-ANS
GRK: μή τι προσφάγιον ἔχετε ἀπεκρίθησαν
NAS: any fish, do you? They answered
KJV: have ye any meat? They answered him,
INT: not any food have you They answered

Strong's Greek 4371
1 Occurrence

προσφάγιον — 1 Occ.