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δειπνέω

deipnéō

G1172 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To take the main meal of the day; to dine, specifically to participate in a principal meal (usually in the evening). In broader usage, to share in a substantial meal, often in company with others. May carry the nuance of partaking in a formal meal or banquet, especially in social or communal settings.

Semantic Range

to take a principal (evening) meal, to eat supper, to dine together, to participate in a formal meal or banquet, to share a principal meal, to sup

Root / Etymology

From the noun δεῖπνον (deipnon), meaning the principal meal or supper, with the verb-forming ending -έω suggesting the act of engaging in that meal. Cognate with other Greek verbs formed from nouns denoting actions.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb δειπνέω is attested in classical Greek with the basic sense of 'to dine' or 'to eat the principal meal'—traditionally the evening meal (δεῖπνον) in Greco-Roman culture. In Hellenistic and Roman periods, the principal meal was typically taken late in the day, distinguished from the earlier, lighter meal (ἀριστον). In the New Testament and other Koine texts, δειπνέω frequently carries connotations of social gathering, invitation, or fellowship, as shared meals were central to social life and status. In the Septuagint, the term is rare, but in New Testament usage such as Luke 14:12, Revelation 3:20, it can include both literal and symbolic senses, yet consistently focused on the act of dining together. Standard English translations as 'to sup' or 'to dine' generally capture its basic sense, but may not convey the cultural weight or the communal aspect implied in Greek usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from δεῖπνον; to dine, i.e. take the principle (or evening) meal:--sup (X -er).

Root Family

δειπνέω (deipneō) — to eat the main meal, to dine, to take supper

Root δειπν- to eat the main meal, to dine

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1172-01 δειπνῆσαι deipnesai V AOR ACT INF supper to dine dining 2
G1172-02 δειπνήσω deipneso V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG I may eat I may dine I may dine 2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1172-02 Luke 17:8 δειπνήσω deipneso V AOR ACT SUBJ 1P SG I may eat I may dine I may dine
G1172-01 Luke 22:20 δειπνῆσαι deipnesai V AOR ACT INF supper to dine dining
G1172-01 1 Corinthians 11:25 δειπνῆσαι deipnesai V AOR ACT INF supper to dine dining
G1172-02 Revelation 3:20 δειπνήσω deipneso V FUT ACT IND 1P SG will dine I may dine I will dine
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