Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for συμπόσιον, the concept of communal meals and feasts is prevalent in the Old Testament. Hebrew terms such as מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh, Strong's 4960), meaning "feast" or "banquet," capture a similar idea of communal gatherings for celebration and fellowship.

Usage: The term συμπόσιον is used in the New Testament to describe a gathering or assembly for the purpose of eating and drinking, often in a celebratory or communal context.

Context: The Greek term συμπόσιον (symposion) appears in the New Testament in contexts that describe social gatherings centered around meals. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, a symposion was more than just a meal; it was a social institution where participants engaged in discussions, entertainment, and the enjoyment of food and drink. This term is used in the New Testament to illustrate the communal and often celebratory nature of such gatherings.

In the Gospel of Mark, the term is used in the account of the feeding of the five thousand: "Then Jesus directed them to have the people sit in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties" (Mark 6:39-40, BSB). Here, the organization of the crowd into groups is reminiscent of a structured banquet or symposion, highlighting the communal aspect of the miracle.

The use of συμπόσιον in the New Testament underscores the importance of fellowship and community in the early Christian context. Meals were not merely for sustenance but were opportunities for teaching, sharing, and building relationships within the body of believers. The symposion setting provided a backdrop for Jesus' teachings and miracles, emphasizing the inclusive and communal nature of His ministry.