Topical Encyclopedia Bread, a staple food in biblical times, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance throughout the Scriptures. Made primarily from wheat flour, bread is frequently mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and divine blessing.Biblical References and Symbolism Wheat, as a primary grain for bread-making, is often associated with abundance and God's provision. In the Old Testament, the Promised Land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey" (Deuteronomy 8:8). This description underscores the centrality of wheat and bread in the diet and economy of ancient Israel. Bread made from wheat flour is also a symbol of God's covenant with His people. In the tabernacle and later the temple, the "Bread of the Presence" was placed on a table before the Lord as a perpetual offering (Exodus 25:30). This bread, made from fine wheat flour, represented God's eternal provision and His presence among the Israelites. Daily Sustenance and Divine Provision In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11). This petition reflects a reliance on God for daily sustenance, with bread symbolizing the basic necessities of life. The request for "daily bread" emphasizes trust in God's ongoing provision. The miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplied five loaves of bread and two fish to feed a multitude, further illustrates bread as a sign of divine provision (Matthew 14:17-21). This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' compassion but also His power to provide abundantly for His followers. Bread in the New Covenant In the New Testament, bread takes on additional significance in the context of the New Covenant. During the Last Supper, Jesus breaks bread with His disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is My body" (Matthew 26:26). Here, bread becomes a profound symbol of Jesus' sacrifice, representing His body given for the salvation of humanity. The Apostle Paul reiterates this symbolism in his instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the Lord's Supper: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26). The act of breaking and sharing bread in communion serves as a reminder of Christ's atoning work and the unity of believers in Him. Cultural and Spiritual Significance Bread made from wheat flour was not only a dietary staple but also a key element in religious rituals and communal gatherings. Its preparation and consumption were deeply embedded in the daily life and worship practices of the Israelites. The process of making bread—from sowing and harvesting wheat to grinding flour and baking—was labor-intensive, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the biblical world. In spiritual terms, bread signifies more than physical nourishment; it embodies the sustenance of the soul. Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This statement highlights the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ, who offers eternal life and satisfaction beyond physical needs. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, bread made from wheat flour is a powerful symbol of God's provision, presence, and promise. It serves as a reminder of the physical and spiritual sustenance that God provides to His people, culminating in the ultimate gift of life through Jesus Christ, the true Bread of Life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 29:2And unleavened bread, and cakes unleavened tempered with oil, and wafers unleavened anointed with oil: of wheaten flour shall you make them. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 4:22 1 Kings 5:11 Psalm 81:16 Library Whether Wheaten Bread is Required for the Matter of this Sacrament ... Concerning the Festivals; and How Each Day of Such Festival is to ... Bread and Wine Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences. Whether the Matter of this Sacrament is Bread and Wine? Give us Today Our Needful Bread Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... Blessed be that First Day of Thine, Lord, Wherewith this Day of ... What a Sacrifice Is, and what are the Species of Sacrifice. How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ... Resources What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the breaking of bread? | 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 |
    |