Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δειπνέω, the concept of dining or sharing a meal can be related to several Hebrew terms associated with eating or feasting, such as אכל (akal, Strong's H398) meaning "to eat," and סעודה (se'udah, Strong's H4960) meaning "feast" or "banquet." These terms reflect the cultural and religious significance of meals in the Hebrew Bible, similar to the New Testament usage of δειπνέω.

Usage: The verb δειπνέω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of dining or partaking in a meal, often in the context of a significant or communal meal.

Context: The Greek verb δειπνέω appears in the New Testament to describe the act of dining, particularly in the context of the main meal of the day, which was typically taken in the evening. This term is used in several key passages that highlight the cultural and spiritual significance of shared meals in the early Christian community.

In Luke 17:8, δειπνέω is used in a parable where a servant is expected to prepare a meal for his master before eating himself: "Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare my supper, and after you have eaten and drunk, you may eat and drink’?" This illustrates the social customs and expectations surrounding meals in the ancient world.

In Luke 22:20, during the Last Supper, Jesus uses the occasion of the meal to institute the New Covenant: "In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.'" Here, δειπνέω underscores the importance of the meal as a setting for significant theological teaching and covenantal symbolism.

Revelation 3:20 presents a metaphorical use of δειπνέω, where Christ invites believers to fellowship with Him: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This passage emphasizes the intimate and personal relationship between Christ and the believer, symbolized by the act of dining together.

The use of δειπνέω in these contexts highlights the communal and relational aspects of meals in the biblical narrative, serving as a backdrop for teaching, fellowship, and covenantal relationships.