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G1305 · Greek · New Testament
διατρέφω
diatrephō
Verb
To nourish thoroughly; to sustain

Definition

The verb diatrephō means to nourish or maintain thoroughly. Though appearing rarely in biblical Greek, the root concept of divine nourishment and sustenance runs throughout Scripture. God who feeds the birds and clothes the lilies is the ultimate diatrephō — the one who thoroughly nourishes all creation.

Usage & Theological Significance

The concept of divine nourishment connects directly to the Lord's Prayer ('give us today our daily bread'), the manna in the wilderness, the feeding of the five thousand, and Jesus's declaration that He is the Bread of Life. The God who thoroughly nourishes physical bodies also provides the spiritual sustenance that sustains eternal life — His Word, His presence, and ultimately His Son.

Key Bible Verses

Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.
John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Related Words

External Resources

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