"This word occurs nowhere else in Greek literature except in the context of the Lord’s prayer. Guesses include, necessary for today, necessary for tomorrow, daily, sufficient, Mt. 6:11; Lk. 11:3*"
Definition and meaning
This word occurs nowhere else in Greek literature except in the context of the Lord’s prayer. Guesses include, necessary for today, necessary for tomorrow, daily, sufficient, Mt. 6:11; Lk. 11:3*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιούσιος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epiousios (G1967) across the King James Bible.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
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Common questions
Strong's G1967 (epiousios) is a Greek word that means: This word occurs nowhere else in Greek literature except in the context of the Lord’s prayer. Guesses include, necessary for today, necessary for tomorrow, daily, sufficient, Mt. 6:11; Lk. 11:3* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word epiousios (G1967) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1967 is epiousios, a Greek word defined as: This word occurs nowhere else in Greek literature except in the context of the Lord’s prayer. Guesses include, necessary for today, necessary for tomo. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epiousios is a Greek word found in the New Testament.