τρέφω
trephō
to feed
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "τρέφω" (trephō) is defined as "to feed." This verb primarily falls under the semantic domain of "Food & Drink," indicating its primary function revolves around nourishment. Throughout the 9 occurrences in the Bible, "trephō" is used to convey the act of providing sustenance, whether it be for humans or animals. The significance of "trephō" lies in its broad application to various contexts. It can mean to feed oneself (e.g., an individual consuming food), to feed others (e.g., a caregiver providing for their charges), or to be fed and nourished (e.g., an infant being breastfed). This versatility highlights the essential role of nourishment in supporting life and sustenance, demonstrating the importance of provision in everyday life. Its use in the Bible suggests that the concept of feeding extends beyond mere sustenance to encompass ideas of care, protection, and nurturing. The frequency and range of "trephō" demonstrate its significance in biblical thought, where feeding is not merely a physical act, but often carries connotations of responsibility, provision, and sustenance that transcends basic material satisfaction.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?
Matthew 25:37“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink?
Luke 4:16He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
Luke 12:24Consider the ravens: they don’t sow, they don’t reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds!
Luke 23:29For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’
Acts 12:20Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food.
James 5:5You have lived in luxury on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
Revelation 12:6The woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish her one thousand two hundred sixty days.
Revelation 12:14Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, so that she might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.