UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: a meal, a banquet, a feast

Semantic entry: 23.22

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Eat, Drink

Definition: a meal whether simple or elaborate (this generic meaning of δεῖπνον is in contrast with the more specific meaning of δεῖπνον[b], 23.25: δεῖπνον)

Notes: Though ἄριστον[a], δεῖπνον[a], and βρῶσις[b] are highly generic in this usage, it is not necessary to translate these terms by a corresponding generic term in another language, since a more specific term may fit the context more satisfactorily. In fact, a generic term might be quite inappropriate in that it would suggest in the case of RV MRK 6:21 · LV MRK 6:21 · Read together MRK 6:21 that Herod was quite stingy in simply providing an ordinary meal for his officials.

Sense 2: supper, main meal

Semantic entry: 23.25

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Eat, Drink

Definition: the principal meal of the day, usually in the evening

Notes: Though in the so-called Western world there is a tendency to have three meals each day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or supper), in many parts of the world there are only two principal meals: one eaten around nine or ten o’clock in the morning, and another at four or five o’clock in the afternoon.|In some languages there is a very important distinction made between a more or less formal meal and the relatively informal times of eating which might be called ‘snacks.’ These would be occasions on which one would eat only one kind of food and possibly in relatively small quantities.

Sense 3: feast, banquet

Definition: an elaborate meal