Original Word: τράπεζα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: trapeza
Pronunciation: TRAH-peh-zah
Phonetic Spelling: (trap'-ed-zah)
KJV: bank, meat, table
NASB: table, tables, bank, food
Word Origin: [probably contracted from G5064 (τέσσαρες - four) and G3979 (πεζῇ - by land)]

1. a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food
2. (figuratively) a meal
3. (also) a counter for money (i.e. a broker's office for loans at interest)

table

Probably contracted from tessares and peze; a table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans at interest) -- bank, meat, table.

see GREEK tessares

see GREEK peze

Word Origin
from modified forms of tessares and pezos
Definition
a table, dining table
NASB Translation
bank (1), food (1), table (9), tables (4).

STRONGS NT 5132: τράπεζα

τράπεζα, τραπέζης, ἡ (from τέτρα, and πέζα a foot), from Homer Idown, the Sept. for שֻׁלְחָן, a table;

1.

a. a table on which food is placed, an eating-table: Matthew 15:27; Mark 7:28; Luke 16:21; Luke 19:23; Luke 22:21, 30; the table in the temple at Jerusalem on which the consecrated loaves were placed (see πρόθεσις, 1), Hebrews 9:2.

b. equivalent to the food placed upon the table (cf. Fritzsche on Additions to ): παρατιθέναι πραπεζαν (like the Latinmensam apponere (cf. our 'to set a good table')), to set a table, i. e., food, before one (Thucydides 1, 130; Aelian v. h. 2, 17), Acts 16:34; διακονεῖν, ταῖς τραπέζαις (see διακονέω, 3), Acts 6:2.

c. a banquet, feast (from Herodotus down): Romans 11:9 (from Psalm 68:23 ()); μετέχειν τραπέζης δαιμονίων, to partake of a feast prepared by ((?) see below) demons (the idea is this: the sacrifices of the Gentiles inure to the service of demons who employ them in preparing feasts for their worshippers; accordingly one who participates in those feasts, enters into communion and fellowship with the demons); κυρίου, to partake of a feast prepared by ((?) see below) the Lord (just as when he first instituted the supper), 1 Corinthians 10:21 (but it seems more natural to take the genitives δαιμονίων and κυρίου simply as possessive (cf. Winers Grammar, 189 (178); Buttmann, § 127, 27), and to modify the above interpretation accordingly).

2. the table or stand of a money-changer, where he sits, exchanging different kinds of money for a fee (agio), and paying back with interest loans or deposits (Lysias, Isocrates, Demosthenes, Aristotle, Josephus, Plutarch, others): Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15; τό ἀργύριον διδόναι ἐπί (τήν) τράπεζαν, to put the money into a (the) bank at interest, Luke 19:23.

Household Fellowship and Provision

The term is first met in settings of ordinary life where food is shared and relationships are deepened. Lydia “brought them into her home and set a meal before them” (Acts 16:34), illustrating how a table fosters Gospel partnership (compare Acts 16:15). In Luke 16:21 the beggar longs “to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table,” underlining social responsibility. Every Christian household becomes a potential mission‐outpost when the table is opened in generous hospitality (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9).

Sacred Furniture in the Tabernacle and Temple

Hebrews 9:2 recalls “the table and the Bread of the Presence,” linking the earthly sanctuary to a heavenly reality. The bread was arranged continually “before the LORD” (Exodus 25:30), making the table a symbol of God’s perpetual provision and covenant fellowship with Israel. Because Jesus is the true Bread from heaven (John 6:35), the ancient table prefigures the sufficiency believers now enjoy in Him.

The Lord’s Table and Eucharistic Significance

Paul sets “the table of the Lord” in deliberate contrast to “the table of demons” (1 Corinthians 10:21). Participation in the cup and loaf binds worshipers to Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice and to one another in a holy communion that precludes idolatrous compromise. The apostle appeals to a distinctly corporate responsibility: the meal proclaims the Lord’s death (1 Corinthians 11:26) and must therefore be guarded from division and self-indulgence.

Table Imagery in Parables and Teachings

Jesus’ interaction with the Syrophoenician woman (Matthew 15:27; Mark 7:28) shows faith seizing even the “crumbs” of grace. In Luke 22:21 He warns, “The hand of My betrayer is with Mine on the table,” revealing that proximity to sacred things does not guarantee loyalty. By contrast, His promise in Luke 22:30—“so that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom”—affirms future reward for persevering disciples.

Commercial Tables and Purity of Worship

The money-changers’ tables in the temple precinct (Matthew 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:15) were overturned by the Lord to restore the court of the Gentiles as a house of prayer. The incident rebukes any practice that monetizes devotion or obstructs seekers. Christian stewardship today must likewise resist commercialism that clouds the glory of God.

Charity and Diaconal Service

In Acts 6:2 the apostles refuse to “neglect the word of God to serve tables,” prompting the appointment of Spirit-filled deacons. The passage dignifies practical ministry while preserving the priority of prayer and preaching. A balanced church affirms both aspects: material relief and spiritual nourishment.

Eschatological Banquet and Kingdom Hope

Revelation culminates in the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Luke 22:30 previews that joy as the faithful recline at Messiah’s royal table, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Such anticipation fuels present perseverance and shapes worship with forward-looking expectancy.

Warning Passages and Judgment

Paul cites Psalm 69 in Romans 11:9: “Let their table become a snare and a trap,” cautioning against complacency born of privilege. Blessings enjoyed without faith can harden the heart. The believer must therefore approach every divine provision with gratitude and humility, lest gifts become stumbling blocks.

Ministry Applications Today

• Practice Gospel hospitality, viewing the family dining table as a venue for discipleship.
• Guard the Lord’s Supper from irreverence and factionalism, remembering its covenantal depth.
• Keep worship free from commercial exploitation, reflecting Christ’s zeal for His Father’s house.
• Uphold both Word ministry and mercy ministry, following the apostolic pattern.
• Live in the hope of the coming banquet, allowing future joy to inform present faithfulness.

τραπεζα τράπεζα τράπεζά τραπεζαι τράπεζαι τραπεζαις τραπέζαις τραπεζαν τράπεζαν τράπεζάν τραπεζας τραπέζας τραπέζη τραπεζης τραπέζης τραπεζών trapeza trápeza trapezais trapézais trapezan trápezan trapezas trapézas trapezes trapezēs trapézes trapézēsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts