Epiousios (en.wikipedia.org)

Article summary

The word 'epiousion' in the Lord's Prayer is a Koine Greek adjective with an unclear meaning, traditionally translated as 'daily' but rejected by most modern scholars. The word's meaning relies on morphological analysis and context, with alternative theories including 'supersubstantial', 'necessary for existence', and 'for the future'. The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church have different interpretations of the word, with the former considering 'supersubstantial' a literal translation and the latter viewing it as 'more-than-necessary bread'. The word's meaning has been debated by scholars and theologians for centuries.

Main themes

• Linguistic analysis of 'epiousion'
• Theological interpretations of the Lord's Prayer
• Historical context of the New Testament
• Catholic and Orthodox perspectives on 'epiousion'
• Translation and interpretation of religious texts
• Theology and philosophy of transubstantiation

What commenters say

• The word 'epiousion' may be a typo or a misspelling, but this theory is not widely accepted by scholars.
• The meaning of 'epiousion' can be understood through its etymological roots and historical context, but its interpretation remains subjective.
• Religious organizations may have biased interpretations of religious texts, but this does not necessarily mean their interpretations are incorrect.
• The Eastern Orthodox Church's interpretation of 'epiousion' as 'supersubstantial' or 'more-than-necessary bread' is a unique and meaningful perspective on the word's meaning.
• The concept of 'supersubstantial' is closely tied to the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, but its meaning extends beyond a purely theological context.
• The word 'epiousion' may be translated as 'bread for tomorrow' or 'bread of the coming age', emphasizing its connection to the future and the afterlife.
• The interpretation of 'epiousion' is not just a matter of linguistic analysis, but also of theological and philosophical understanding.
• Different religious traditions and denominations have distinct perspectives on the meaning of 'epiousion', reflecting their unique theological and cultural contexts.