In biblical literature, the term "morsel" refers to a small piece or portion of food, often used metaphorically to convey deeper spiritual or moral lessons. The concept of a morsel is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, illustrating themes of temptation, provision, and the nature of human desires.

Old Testament References

One of the earliest mentions of a morsel is found in the account of Esau and Jacob. In Genesis 25:29-34, Esau sells his birthright to Jacob for a simple meal, described as "bread and lentil stew." The passage highlights the impulsive nature of Esau's decision, as he trades his significant inheritance for a mere morsel of food. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term blessings.

Proverbs also uses the imagery of a morsel to impart wisdom. Proverbs 17:1 states, "Better a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of feasting with strife." This proverb contrasts the value of peace and contentment with the discord that can accompany abundance, emphasizing the importance of harmony over material wealth.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of a morsel is notably present during the Last Supper. In John 13:26, Jesus identifies Judas Iscariot as His betrayer by giving him a morsel of bread: "Jesus answered, 'It is the one to whom I will give this morsel after I have dipped it.' Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot." This act signifies the fulfillment of prophecy and the impending betrayal, underscoring the gravity of Judas's actions.

Theological Implications

The use of "morsel" in Scripture often serves as a metaphor for the choices individuals make and the consequences that follow. It reflects the human tendency to succumb to immediate desires at the expense of spiritual or moral integrity. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek wisdom and discernment, valuing eternal truths over fleeting pleasures.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a morsel of food was an act of fellowship and trust. The act of breaking bread together symbolized unity and mutual respect. Thus, the instances where morsels are mentioned in the Bible carry significant cultural weight, often highlighting themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the sacredness of communal meals.

Overall, the concept of a morsel in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol, inviting readers to reflect on their own priorities and the spiritual nourishment they seek.1. (n.) A little bite or bit of food.

2. (n.) A small quantity; a little piece; a fragment.

MORSEL

mor'-sel (brosis): Found only in Hebrews 12:16 the King James Version, "For one morsel of meat (the Revised Version (British and American) "mess of meat") sold his birthright," literally, "for one eating," i.e. one meal. The Great Bible (Cranmer's) has "for one mease of meat."

5596. psomion -- a fragment, morsel
... a fragment, morsel. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: psomion Phonetic
Spelling: (pso-mee'-on) Short Definition: a bit, morsel Definition: a bit ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5596.htm - 6k

5589. psichion -- a crumb (of bread)
... crumb. Diminutive from a derivative of the base of psallo (meaning a crumb); a little
bit or morsel -- crumb. see GREEK psallo. (psichion) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5589.htm - 6k

6595. path -- fragment, bit, morsel
... 6594, 6595. path. 6596 . fragment, bit, morsel. Transliteration: path Phonetic
Spelling: (path) Short Definition: piece. ... meat, morsel, piece. ...
/hebrew/6595.htm - 6k

6604b. pathoth -- a fragment, bit, morsel (of bread)
... 6604a, 6604b. pathoth. 6605 . a fragment, bit, morsel (of bread).
Transliteration: pathoth Short Definition: fragments. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/6604b.htm - 5k

3603. kikkar -- a round, a round district, a round loaf, a round ...
... loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. From karar; a circle, ie (by implication)
a circumjacent tract or region, expec. The Ghor or ...
/hebrew/3603.htm - 6k

Whether Christ Gave his Body to Judas?
... Consequently, if He gave His body to him, it appears that He gave it him in the
morsel, especially since we read (Jn.13:26) that "after the morsel, Satan ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christ gave his body.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... drink. And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring
me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand.". In ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

Leaven
... A poor woman, with her morsel of barm, kneading it up among three measures of meal,
in some coarse earthenware pan, stands to Him as representing the whole ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/leaven.htm

Analyze with Me, if You are not Overwhelmed with Humiliation...
... who would become fanatics, only for their own destruction; renounce their moral
nature, their divine souls, their immortal destinies, only for a morsel of more ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/xv analyze with me if.htm

The Dismissal of Judas
... quickly.'"John 13:27. When our Lord gave the morsel, dipped in the dish, to
Judas, only John knew the significance of the act. But if we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the dismissal of judas.htm

The Country of Gennesaret.
... And elsewhere, where it is disputed, what is the more noble part of food, something
seasoned with salt, or a morsel,"and it is concluded, that that which is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 79 the country of.htm

Hebrews xii. 14
... [2.] Ver.16. "Lest there be any fornicator: or profane person, as Esau,
who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright." [3410]. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxi hebrews xii 14.htm

The Misfortunes which Happened in Connection with These Things, in ...
... 6. Some, therefore, desired to dispose of their most precious things to those who
were better supplied, in return for the smallest morsel of food, and others ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter viii the misfortunes which happened.htm

Esau Gen 25:34; Heb 12:16
... That once he his birth-right despised; And sold, for a morsel of meat,. ... What
is it the world can propose? A morsel of meat at the best! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 8 esau gen 25 34.htm

Actions to be Judged of from their Motive, not from Externals. ...
... But should he sup with the other person, and moisten his lips with a morsel of rancid
bacon, or refresh them with a drink of spoilt wine, he is pronounced a ...
/.../chapter 13 name to be.htm

Morsel (14 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. MORSEL. ...Morsel (14 Occurrences). John 13:26 Jesus
answers, He it is to whom I, after I have dipped the morsel, give it. ...
/m/morsel.htm - 11k

Iscariote (11 Occurrences)
... John 13:26 Jesus answers, He it is to whom I, after I have dipped the morsel,
give it. And having dipped the morsel, he gives it ...
/i/iscariote.htm - 9k

Refresh (18 Occurrences)
... Refresh my heart in the Lord. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Genesis
18:5 I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. ...
/r/refresh.htm - 13k

Dipping (4 Occurrences)
... John 13:26 Jesus answereth, 'That one it is to whom I, having dipped the morsel,
shall give it;' and having dipped the morsel, he giveth 'it' to Judas of Simon ...
/d/dipping.htm - 8k

Morsels (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 23:8 The morsel which thou hast eaten
shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words. (See RSV). ...
/m/morsels.htm - 7k

Answers (42 Occurrences)
... (WEB). John 13:26 Jesus answers, He it is to whom I, after I have dipped
the morsel, give it. And having dipped the morsel, he gives ...
/a/answers.htm - 17k

Piece (93 Occurrences)
... they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the young lady's
father said to his son-in-law, "Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread ...
/p/piece.htm - 40k

Strengthen (105 Occurrences)
... Genesis 18:5 and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after
that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. ...
/s/strengthen.htm - 37k

Sop (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A morsel of bread (John 13:26; Comp. Ruth 2:14). ...
See MORSEL. Multi-Version Concordance Sop (3 Occurrences). ...
/s/sop.htm - 8k

Fetch (45 Occurrences)
... Genesis 18:5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after
that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. ...
/f/fetch.htm - 24k

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