5165. trublion
Lexical Summary
trublion: Dish, bowl

Original Word: τρύβλιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: trublion
Pronunciation: TROO-blee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (troob'-lee-on)
KJV: dish
NASB: bowl
Word Origin: [neuter of a presumed derivative of uncertain affinity]

1. a bowl

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
dish.

Neuter of a presumed derivative of uncertain affinity; a bowl -- dish.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a bowl, dish
NASB Translation
bowl (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5165: τρύβλιον

τρύβλιον (so T (cf. Proleg., p. 102) WH; τρύβλιον R G L Tr) (on the accent see Passow, under the word; (Chandler § 350; Göttling, p. 408)), τριβλιου, τό, a dish, a deep dish (cf. B. D. under the word ): Matthew 26:23; Mark 14:20. (Aristophanes, Plutarch, Lucian, Aelian v. h. 9, 37; the Sept. for קְעָרָה, for which also in Josephus, Antiquities 3, 8, 10; Sir. 34:14 (Sir. 31:14.)

Topical Lexicon
Form and Function in First-Century Meals

The term designates the common serving dish placed at the center of a table around which diners reclined. In first-century Jewish homes such a vessel held sauces made of dates, vinegar, herbs, or the Passover paste (ḥaroseth). Pieces of unleavened bread were dipped into the contents, so the dish embodied a tangible expression of shared fellowship. Its use was practical—keeping the meal compact for a reclining company—yet also communal, signifying that all participants partook of one provision.

Occurrences in the Gospel Narratives

Matthew 26:23 and Mark 14:20 each situate the dish at the Passover meal immediately preceding the crucifixion. “He answered, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me’” (Matthew 26:23). Mark records, “It is one of the Twelve, the one who is dipping with Me into the bowl” (Mark 14:20). The identical setting—an intimate covenant meal—highlights both inclusiveness (all were invited to share) and treachery (one would exploit that nearness).

Old Testament Background

The Septuagint employs the same word in Judges 5:25, where Jael offers Sisera milk in a princely vessel. That episode turns hospitable gesture into unforeseen judgment, foreshadowing how table fellowship can expose enemies in disguise. By echoing this vocabulary, the Gospel writers subtly connect Judas’s act with Sisera’s downfall: both receive apparent kindness while harboring hostile intent.

Symbolism in the Passion Context

1. Shared Covenant: The common dish recalls Exodus 12, where families gathered under the blood of the lamb. By placing Himself at that table, Jesus identifies as the true Passover Lamb, offering one provision for many.
2. Exposure of Betrayal: Dipping in the same vessel confers honor; thus Judas’s betrayal is treachery at the deepest level of intimacy (Psalm 41:9). The dish becomes a witness: even participation in religious rites cannot mask an unconverted heart.
3. Prophetic Fulfilment: Jesus’ statement pinpoints the betrayer without public accusation, fulfilling Zechariah 11:12–13 and demonstrating divine sovereignty over the events leading to the cross.

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Guard the Table: Christian fellowship is sacred. Churches should couple the open invitation of grace with sober self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).
• Authentic Community: Eating together remains a biblical pattern for nurturing unity (Acts 2:46). The shared dish teaches that believers draw from one Savior and serve one another.
• Watchfulness in Leadership: Judas’s presence among the Twelve warns that external closeness to ministry does not guarantee internal loyalty. Vigilance and pastoral care must coexist with generosity of spirit.

Historical Continuity of Worship

The early church memorialized the Last Supper in the Lord’s Supper. Although individual cups and plates are now common, the underlying truth endures: Christ’s singular sacrifice sustains every believer. The humble dish of the Gospels, therefore, speaks across centuries—calling the faithful to loyalty, gratitude, and communion in the One whose body was given “for you” (Luke 22:19).

Forms and Transliterations
τρυβλία τρύβλια τρυβλιον τρυβλίον τρύβλιον τρυβλιω τρυβλίω τρυβλίῳ trublio trubliō trublion tryblio trybliō tryblíoi tryblíōi tryblion trýblion
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 26:23 N-DNS
GRK: ἐν τῷ τρυβλίῳ οὗτός με
NAS: his hand with Me in the bowl is the one
KJV: me in the dish, the same shall betray
INT: in the dish he me

Mark 14:20 N-ANS
GRK: τὸ ἓν τρύβλιον
NAS: one who dips with Me in the bowl.
KJV: me in the dish.
INT: the one bowl

Strong's Greek 5165
2 Occurrences


τρυβλίῳ — 1 Occ.
τρύβλιον — 1 Occ.

5164
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