Lexical Summary diatrophé: Sustenance, nourishment, maintenance Original Word: διατροφή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance food, nourishmentFrom a compound of dia and trepho; nourishment -- food. see GREEK dia see GREEK trepho HELPS Word-studies 1305 diatrophḗ (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly," intensifying 5610 /hṓra, "food, supplies") – properly, adequate provision (ample supplies) – as God defines sufficiency (used only in 1 Tim 6:8). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and trophé Definition food, nourishment NASB Translation food (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1305: διατροφήδιατροφή, διατροφης ἡ (διατρέφω, to support), sustenance: 1 Timothy 6:8. (Xenophon, vect. 4, 49; Menander quoted in Stobaeus, floril. 61, 1 (vol. ii. 386, Gaisf. edition); Diodorus 19, 32; Epictetus ench. 12; Josephus, Antiquities 2, 5, 7; 4, 8, 21; often in Plutarch; 1 Macc. 6:49.) Topical Lexicon Core Concept Strong’s Greek 1305 refers to the basic provisions that sustain biological life—daily food, nourishment, and by extension all essential means of support. In Scripture the term forms part of a larger ethical call to contentment, opposing covetousness and excessive reliance on material wealth. Scriptural Context The word appears once, in 1 Timothy 6:8. Paul counsels the younger minister: “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these” (1 Timothy 6:8). The single occurrence is embedded within an extended warning against the love of money (1 Timothy 6:6-10), setting a clear contrast between godliness with contentment and the ruin that attends greed. The placement in a Pastoral Epistle indicates its relevance for the ordering of personal life and church teaching alike. Old Testament Roots The Hebrew Scriptures consistently affirm the Lord as the Provider of daily bread: These texts anticipate the New Testament’s summons to dependence on God for sustenance rather than accumulation. Greco-Roman Perspective In first-century society diatrophē commonly denoted a daily ration in the household economy or military camp. Philosophers such as the Cynics praised a life limited to bare necessities, while others saw economic security as a mark of honor. Paul’s vocabulary engages that cultural dialogue, directing believers toward a Christ-centered simplicity grounded in divine provision rather than human philosophy. Themes of Contentment and Stewardship 1 Timothy 6 links diatrophē to several intertwined principles: 1. Contentment – Satisfaction with essentials (cf. Philippians 4:11-13). Implications for Discipleship and Ministry Pastoral leaders are to cultivate practices that keep secondary matters from encroaching on primary mission: Interrelated New Testament Teachings • Matthew 6:11 – “Give us this day our daily bread.” Summary Strong’s Greek 1305 captures the humble but profound reality of daily sustenance. Scripture elevates these basics from mere biological necessity to a theological signpost, directing believers to gratitude, simplicity, and sacrificial love. By anchoring life and ministry in God’s faithful provision of diatrophē, the church testifies that true riches are found in Christ rather than in the storehouse. Forms and Transliterations διατροφας διατροφάς διατροφὰς diatrophas diatrophàsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |