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G1033 · Greek · New Testament
βρῶμα
Brōma
Noun, neuter
Food, that which is eaten

Definition

Brōma (βρῶμα) refers to food — what is eaten for nourishment. The word appears frequently in Paul's letters in discussions about food offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8), dietary restrictions (Romans 14:15-17), and the spiritual principle that "food does not commend us to God" (1 Corinthians 8:8). It also appears in Hebrews as a contrast to grace.

Theological Significance

Paul's teaching on food is ultimately a lesson about the kingdom: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). Physical brōma nourishes the body; the true food is Jesus Himself — "My flesh is true food" (John 6:55). The church's controversies over food were shadow-battles about deeper realities of grace and freedom.

Key Scripture Passages

1 Corinthians 8:8
"Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do."
Romans 14:15
For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 13:9
Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods.
1 Corinthians 6:13
"Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food" — and God will destroy both one and the other.

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