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σιτιστός

sitistós

G4619 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

fattened (especially of an animal), particularly one fed on grain in preparation for slaughter or sacrifice; by extension, a fattened animal designated for a feast or commemoration. The primary sense relates to an animal raised deliberately to be well-nourished or plump, suitable for celebratory meals or ritual occasions.

Semantic Range

fattened (of animals), grain-fed, ready for slaughter or celebration, specially prepared for feast or sacrifice

Root / Etymology

From the root σῖτος (grain, especially wheat) with the adjectival suffix -τός, indicating 'pertaining to being fed [grain];' thus, 'grain-fed,' 'fattened.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The term σιτιστός appears rarely in extant Greek literature and, in the New Testament, is attested in Luke 15:23, 27, 30, referring specifically to the 'fattened calf' prepared for a celebratory meal. The word builds upon the idea of abundant grain-feeding, holding connotations of careful preparation for a special occasion—a nuance classical Greek typically expressed with terms like μόσχος σιτευτός (grain-fed calf). While English translations often render it simply as 'fatling' or 'fatted calf,' the underlying meaning pertains to an animal made plump through deliberate feeding, distinguishing it from ordinary livestock. The Septuagint also uses related language (e.g., μόσχος σιτευτός) in sacrificial and festival contexts. Outside the biblical tradition, the word is rare, but cognate forms (like σιτεύω, to fatten) were sometimes used in agricultural discourse. Standard translations as 'fatling' may miss the cultural context of preparation and celebration attached to the word.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of σῖτος; grained, i.e. fatted:--fatling.

Root Family

σιτιστός (sitistos) — to feed, to fatten, to nourish; grain-fed, fattened

Root σιτ- to feed, to fatten, to nourish

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4619-01 σιτιστὰ sitista ADJ.S NOM N PL fattened cattle grain-fed fattened animals fattened animals 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4619-01 Matthew 22:4 σιτιστὰ sitista ADJ.S NOM N PL fattened cattle grain-fed fattened animals fattened animals
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