Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, bread is not only a staple of physical sustenance but also carries rich figurative meanings that convey spiritual truths and divine principles. Throughout Scripture, bread symbolizes life, provision, and the Word of God, among other themes.1. Bread as the Word of God: Bread is often used metaphorically to represent the Word of God, which sustains spiritual life. In Deuteronomy 8:3, Moses reminds the Israelites, "He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD." This passage underscores the necessity of God's Word for spiritual nourishment, paralleling the physical sustenance provided by bread. 2. Jesus as the Bread of Life: In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Bread of Life," emphasizing His role as the essential source of spiritual life and eternal sustenance. In John 6:35, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." This statement highlights the sufficiency of Christ in fulfilling the deepest spiritual needs of humanity, offering eternal satisfaction and life. 3. Bread in the Lord's Prayer: The Lord's Prayer includes a petition for daily bread, which can be understood both literally and figuratively. In Matthew 6:11, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." While this request acknowledges God's provision for physical needs, it also reflects a dependence on God for spiritual sustenance and guidance each day. 4. Bread in the Lord's Supper: The breaking of bread during the Lord's Supper is a profound symbol of Christ's sacrifice. In 1 Corinthians 11:24, Paul recounts Jesus' words at the Last Supper: "And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" The bread represents Christ's body, broken for the redemption of humanity, and serves as a reminder of His atoning work on the cross. 5. Bread as Fellowship and Unity: Bread also symbolizes fellowship and unity among believers. In Acts 2:42, the early church is described as devoting themselves "to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The communal breaking of bread signifies the shared life and unity of the body of Christ, fostering a sense of community and mutual support among believers. 6. Bread as a Symbol of God's Provision: Throughout Scripture, bread is a symbol of God's provision and care for His people. In the wilderness, God provided manna, described as "bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4), to sustain the Israelites. This miraculous provision serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to meet the needs of His people in every circumstance. In summary, the figurative use of bread in the Bible encompasses a wide range of spiritual truths, from the sustenance provided by God's Word to the redemptive work of Christ and the unity of believers. Each metaphorical application of bread points to the deeper spiritual realities that undergird the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 55:2Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which satisfies not? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 10:17 2 Corinthians 9:10 Library The Figurative Language of Scripture. Give us Today Our Needful Bread Christ in the Synagogue at Capernaum. (John, vi. ) Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Wyclif -- Christ's Real Body not in the Eucharist The Lord's Supper --Continued. Meditation viii. Institution of the Holy Eucharist. Eucharistic Doctrine. Matthew xxvi. 45, 46 The Same Word Does not Always Signify the Same Thing. Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “This is my body, broken for you”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? | GotQuestions.org Why is the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper such a controversial issue? | GotQuestions.org Bread: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Bread in Times of Scarcity, Sold by Weight Bread was Baked: On Coals of Fire Bread with Water, the Food of Prisons Bread: (Eating Without Scarceness) of Plenty Bread: (Fulness of) of Abundance Bread: (Of Adversity) Heavy Affliction Bread: (Of Deceit) Unlawful Gain Bread: (Of Wickedness) Oppression Bread: (Partaking of) Communion of Saints Bread: (Seeking of Begging) Extreme Poverty Bread: (Want of) Extreme Poverty Bread: (When Broken) the Death of Christ Bread: Called the Staff of Life Bread: Crumb of, Used to Wipe the Fingers, Thrown Under the Table Bread: First Fruit of, offered to God Bread: How Prepared: Baked in Ovens Bread: How Prepared: Cracknels Bread: How Prepared: Made Into Loaves Bread: How Prepared: Mixed With Oil Bread: How Prepared: On Coals of Dung Bread: How Prepared: On Hearths Bread: Kinds of Bread of Affliction Bread: Kinds of Leavened (Made With Yeast) Bread: Kinds of Unleavened (Made Without Yeast) Bread: Made of Manna (In the Wilderness) Bread: Multitudes Miraculously Fed by Christ With Bread: Nutritious and Strengthening Bread: Offered With Sacrifices Bread: Often Given As a Present Bread: Often Put for the Whole Substance of Man Bread: Ordinary, Called Common Bread Bread: Placed on Table of Shew Bread Bread: Plenty of, Promised to the Obedient Bread: Sacred, Called Hallowed Bread Bread: Scarceness of, Sent As a Punishment Bread: Served Round After Funerals Bread: Symbolical of the Body of Christ Bread: The Principal Food Used by the Ancients Bread: Troughs Used for Kneading Bread: when Old, Dry and Mouldy Related Terms |
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