Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the act of eating is not merely a physical necessity but often carries significant spiritual and symbolic meanings. From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the prophetic visions in Revelation, eating is depicted as an act that can either honor or dishonor God, depending on the context and the heart of the individual.Creation and Provision The concept of eating is introduced in the creation narrative. God provides food for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, saying, "You may eat freely from every tree of the garden" (Genesis 2:16). This provision underscores God's care and the abundance of His creation. However, the command also includes a restriction: "But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Genesis 2:17). The act of eating from this tree leads to the fall of man, illustrating how eating can be an act of obedience or disobedience. Covenant and Community In the Old Testament, eating is often associated with covenant and community. The Passover meal, for instance, is a significant event where the Israelites are commanded to eat the Passover lamb as a remembrance of their deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12:8-11). This meal is a communal act that reinforces their identity as God's chosen people and their reliance on His salvation. The dietary laws given in Leviticus also highlight the importance of eating in maintaining holiness and separation from pagan practices. These laws dictate what is clean and unclean, teaching the Israelites to honor God in their daily lives, even in their eating habits (Leviticus 11). Wisdom and Moderation The wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly the Proverbs, often addresses the topic of eating. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against gluttony and drunkenness, advising, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty" . This reflects a broader biblical principle that eating should be done in moderation and with self-control. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry frequently involves meals, which become opportunities for teaching and fellowship. The feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28) are pivotal moments where eating is linked to spiritual truths. Jesus declares Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35), indicating that true sustenance comes from Him. The Apostle Paul addresses issues of eating in the context of Christian liberty and conscience. In 1 Corinthians 8, he discusses the eating of food offered to idols, emphasizing that while "food does not bring us closer to God" (1 Corinthians 8:8), believers should be mindful of their actions' impact on others' consciences. Eschatological Significance The act of eating also has eschatological significance. The Book of Revelation describes the marriage supper of the Lamb, a future event where believers will dine with Christ in His kingdom (Revelation 19:9). This feast symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal fellowship between Christ and His Church. Throughout Scripture, eating is a multifaceted act that encompasses physical, spiritual, and communal dimensions. It serves as a reminder of God's provision, a test of obedience, a means of fellowship, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet to come. Greek 4906. sunesthio -- to eat with ... eat with. Word Origin from sun and esthio Definition to eat with NASB Word Usage ate (2), eat (2), eats (1). eat with. From sun ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4906.htm - 6k 2068. esthio -- to eat 5176. trogo -- to gnaw, munch, crunch Strong's Hebrew 398. akal -- to eat... 3), devours (7), dine (1), eat (398), eat freely (1), eaten (66), eaten at all (2), eaten freely (1), eater (2), eater's (1), eating (25), eats (29), edible (2 ... /hebrew/398.htm - 6k 3765. kirsem -- to tear off Library Jesus Eats the Last Supper with his Disciples If any one Shall Condemn Him who Eats Flesh... Give us Today Our Needful Bread On Sandals and Simplicity Christmas Day Interpretation of "Tasting of Death. " Of the Perplexity of a Heart which Loves Without Knowing Whether ... Things Clean and Unclean According to the Law and the Gospel. Another Kind of Men Living Together in Cities. Fasts of Three Days ... The Ten Lepers Thesaurus Eats (57 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Eats (57 Occurrences). Matthew 24:49 and should begin to beat his fellow servants, while he eats and drinks with drunkards; (WEY RSV). ... /e/eats.htm - 24k Drinks (28 Occurrences) Abstains (2 Occurrences) Unworthy (8 Occurrences) Forever (426 Occurrences) Accepted (82 Occurrences) Doesn't (300 Occurrences) Yeast (48 Occurrences) Observes (14 Occurrences) Leavened (16 Occurrences) Resources What did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the importance of the Lord's supper / Christian Communion? | GotQuestions.org Should wine or grape juice be used for communion? | GotQuestions.org Eats: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eats (57 Occurrences)Matthew 24:49 Mark 2:16 Mark 14:18 Luke 15:2 John 6:51 John 6:54 John 6:56 John 6:57 John 6:58 John 13:18 Romans 14:2 Romans 14:3 Romans 14:6 Romans 14:20 Romans 14:23 1 Corinthians 11:21 1 Corinthians 11:27 1 Corinthians 11:28 1 Corinthians 11:29 Exodus 12:15 Exodus 12:19 Leviticus 7:18 Leviticus 7:20 Leviticus 7:21 Leviticus 7:25 Leviticus 7:27 Leviticus 11:40 Leviticus 14:47 Leviticus 17:10 Leviticus 17:14 Leviticus 17:15 Leviticus 19:8 Leviticus 22:14 Numbers 13:32 1 Samuel 14:24 1 Samuel 14:28 2 Samuel 19:35 Job 5:5 Job 39:24 Job 40:15 Psalms 80:13 Psalms 106:20 Proverbs 13:2 Proverbs 13:25 Proverbs 30:20 Ecclesiastes 3:13 Ecclesiastes 4:5 Ecclesiastes 5:12 Ecclesiastes 5:17 Ecclesiastes 6:2 Isaiah 9:20 Isaiah 28:4 Isaiah 29:8 Isaiah 44:16 Isaiah 59:5 Jeremiah 31:30 Ezekiel 18:11 Subtopics Related Terms |