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σιτευτός

siteutós

G4618 restrictive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root σιτ- food, grain, to fatten, to nourish

Definition

Fattened, especially in reference to animals that have been specially fed (often with grain or select food), preparing them for slaughter or festive consumption; by extension, prestigious or select (e.g., the prized animal for a feast). In Hellenistic and Roman-period Greek, typically refers to animals raised with care for use in ceremonial or celebratory meals.

Semantic Range

fattened (especially livestock), select or specially prepared (animal for sacrifice or feast), grain-fed, suitable for festive slaughter

Root / Etymology

From a verbal adjective derived from σῖτος (grain, food), indicating 'fed with grain,' hence 'fattened.' The root σιτ- (relating to food or grain) underlies both σῖτος and σιτευτός.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and later Greek, σιτευτός consistently connotes animals that are fattened through special feeding, often in contrast to animals grazing naturally. This term appears in the parable of the 'fattened calf' (Luke 15:23, 27, 30), denoting an animal reserved for an exceptional occasion—prepared with particular care for celebratory slaughter. English versions commonly render σιτευτός as 'fatted' (as in 'fatted calf'), yet in Greek the nuance highlights not just the animal's physical condition but also its value as a select, ceremonially prepared offering. There is no significant difference in meaning between Septuagint and New Testament use, though its function can display social status and festivity. The term is distinct from ἄγριος (wild) or even θρεμμένος (generally nourished), signaling deliberate preparation. Usage is primarily agricultural and ceremonial, with figurative extension to indicate something being specially prepared or set apart for honor.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of σῖτος; grain-fed, i.e. fattened:--fatted.

Root Family

σιτευτός (siteutós) — grain-fed, nourished, fattened, specially prepared for slaughter

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4618-01 σιτευτόν siteuton ADJ.R ACC M SG fattened grain-fed fattened one 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4618-01 Luke 15:23 σιτευτόν siteuton ADJ.R ACC M SG fattened grain-fed fattened one
G4618-01 Luke 15:27 σιτευτόν siteuton ADJ.R ACC M SG fattened grain-fed fattened one
G4618-01 Luke 15:30 σιτευτὸν siteuton ADJ.A ACC M SG fattened grain-fed fattened one
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