Topical Encyclopedia Bread holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and spiritual nourishment. Throughout Scripture, bread is frequently mentioned in both literal and metaphorical contexts, serving as a staple of daily life and a profound symbol of God's provision and presence.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, bread is often associated with God's provision for His people. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is marked by the miraculous provision of manna, described as "bread from heaven" (Exodus 16:4). This daily sustenance was a tangible reminder of God's care and faithfulness. The Passover meal, central to Jewish tradition, includes unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of the Israelites' departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:8). Bread also plays a role in the sacrificial system. The showbread, or "bread of the Presence," was placed on a table in the Tabernacle as a perpetual offering before the Lord (Leviticus 24:5-9). This bread signified God's covenant with Israel and His continual presence among His people. New Testament Context In the New Testament, bread takes on deeper spiritual significance. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, often used bread as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In the Lord's Prayer, He instructs His followers to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), emphasizing reliance on God for daily needs. The feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish, highlights His divine ability to provide abundantly (John 6:1-14). Following this miracle, 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). Here, bread symbolizes Jesus Himself as the essential sustenance for spiritual life and eternal salvation. The Last Supper further elevates the symbolism of bread. Jesus breaks bread with His disciples, saying, "This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me" (Luke 22:19). This act institutes the Lord's Supper, or Communion, where bread represents Christ's body sacrificed for humanity's redemption. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Bread in the Bible is rich with symbolism, representing God's provision, the sustenance of life, and the spiritual nourishment found in Christ. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the necessity of relying on Him for both physical and spiritual needs. The breaking of bread in fellowship also signifies unity and community among believers, as seen in the early church's practice of "breaking bread from house to house" (Acts 2:46). In summary, bread in the biblical context is more than a physical meal; it is a profound symbol of God's provision, Christ's sacrifice, and the spiritual sustenance found in a relationship with Him. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 17:12And she said, As the LORD your God lives, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse: and, behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die. Nave's Topical Index Greek 740. artos -- bread, a loaf ... Word Origin of uncertain origin Definition bread, a loaf NASB Word Usage bread (71), loaf (2), loaves (23), meal (1). bread, loaf. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/740.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 3899. lechem -- bread, food... food NASB Word Usage bread (188), food (87), fruit (1), loaves (3), meal (7), meal* (1), meals (2), prey (1), provision (1), showbread* (4), something (1). ... /hebrew/3899.htm - 6k Library Bread and Wine The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The Meal at Emmaus Made Known in the Breaking of Bread. Bread and Wine Being Attacked by Fever, He is in Great Danger. Bread and Wine Cont. The Paschal Meal. Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet. Bread in the Desert Meditation viii. Institution of the Holy Eucharist. 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 |
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