Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, bread holds profound symbolic and practical significance, often representing sustenance, provision, and divine blessing. The act of breaking bread, in particular, carries deep theological and spiritual implications, especially within the context of covenant, sacrifice, and community.Old Testament Context Bread, as a staple of the ancient Near Eastern diet, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It symbolizes God's provision, as seen in the manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4). The breaking of bread is implied in the preparation and sharing of meals, which often signified fellowship and covenantal relationships. In Leviticus 2:4-6, the grain offering, which included unleavened bread, was broken and offered to God, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving. New Testament Significance The New Testament elevates the symbolism of bread, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus takes five loaves, gives thanks, breaks them, and distributes them to the people (Matthew 14:19). This miracle not only demonstrates Christ's compassion and divine provision but also prefigures the Last Supper. The Last Supper The most significant instance of bread being broken is during the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper. In Matthew 26:26 , it is recorded, "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, spoke a blessing and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is My body.'" Here, the breaking of bread becomes a powerful symbol of Christ's impending sacrifice. The bread represents His body, broken for the redemption of humanity, establishing a new covenant through His atoning death. Theological Implications The breaking of bread in the Lord's Supper is central to Christian worship and theology. It serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and the believer's participation in His death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 10:16 : "Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?" The act of breaking bread thus becomes a means of grace, a tangible expression of unity with Christ and the Church. Communal Aspect Breaking bread also signifies fellowship and unity among believers. In Acts 2:42 , the early church is described as devoting themselves "to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This communal breaking of bread reflects the shared life and mutual support within the body of Christ, reinforcing the bond of love and commitment among believers. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the breaking of bread is a multifaceted symbol, encompassing God's provision, Christ's sacrificial love, and the unity of the Church. It invites believers to remember, participate, and proclaim the Lord's death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Torrey's Topical Textbook Lamentations 4:4The tongue of the sucking child sticks to the roof of his mouth for thirst: the young children ask bread, and no man breaks it to them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 14:19 Library 'Fragments' or 'Broken Pieces' The Broken Oar. The British Bayonet. A Question for Communicants "The Lord Hath Need of Him. " Mark xi, 3 How to Use the Prayer-Book Opportunity: Being Thoughts for the New Year. On New Year's Eve. Bread and Wine The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache Leaping and Praising. Acts iii, 8 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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