Jump to: Smith's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "loaves" primarily refer to bread, a staple food in ancient Near Eastern diets and a significant symbol in both the Old and New Testaments. Bread, often in the form of loaves, is mentioned frequently throughout the Bible, symbolizing sustenance, provision, and spiritual nourishment.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, loaves of bread are integral to various offerings and rituals. The "showbread" or "bread of the Presence" consisted of twelve loaves placed on a table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. This bread was a continual offering before the Lord, as described in Leviticus 24:5-9 : "You are to take fine flour and bake twelve loaves with it, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. Arrange them in two rows—six per row—on the table of pure gold before the LORD." The loaves also appear in the narrative of David when he and his men, in need of food, ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for them to eat but only for the priests (1 Samuel 21:3-6). This incident is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament to illustrate the principle of mercy over sacrifice. New Testament References In the New Testament, loaves of bread take on profound theological significance, particularly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The most notable event involving loaves is the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd. This miracle is recorded in all four Gospels, emphasizing its importance. In John 6:11 , it is written: "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were seated, as much as they wanted." This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus' compassion and divine power but also prefigures the spiritual nourishment He provides. Jesus later declares Himself to be the "bread of life" (John 6:35), stating, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst." The Last Supper further elevates the symbolism of bread. During this pivotal event, Jesus breaks bread with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper or Communion. 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.'" Symbolism and Theology Throughout Scripture, loaves of bread symbolize God's provision and the sustenance He provides both physically and spiritually. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His followers to pray for "our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), underscoring reliance on God for daily needs. Theologically, bread represents the body of Christ, broken for the salvation of humanity. The act of breaking bread in Communion is a profound reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant established through His death and resurrection. In summary, loaves in the Bible are more than mere food; they are rich in symbolic meaning, pointing to God's provision, Christ's sacrificial love, and the spiritual nourishment found in a relationship with Him. Smith's Bible Dictionary Loaves[BREAD] Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Plural of Loaf.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 2916. krithinos -- of barley Strong's Hebrew 3899. lechem -- bread, food... Word Origin from lacham Definition bread, food NASB Word Usage bread (188), food (87), fruit (1), loaves (3), meal (7), meal* (1), meals (2), prey (1 ... /hebrew/3899.htm - 6k 4635. maareketh -- a row, line 3603. kikkar -- a round, a round district, a round loaf, a round ... Library Concerning the Seven Loaves. The Narrative of the Feeding of the ... Healing Precedes Participation in the Loaves of Jesus. The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands The Author Adapts the Mystery of the Number Seven (Made up of the ... Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ... From the Miracle of the Feeding of the Multitude from Five Barley ... Of the Occasion on which He Fed the Multitudes with the Seven ... On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ... Of the Order and the Method in which all the Four Evangelists Come ... On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 5, Etc. , Where the Miracle ... Thesaurus Loaves (54 Occurrences)...Loaves (54 Occurrences). Matthew 4:3 So the Tempter came and said, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into loaves." (WEY DBY YLT RSV). ... /l/loaves.htm - 23k Barley-loaves (2 Occurrences) Wave-loaves (1 Occurrence) Shew-loaves (1 Occurrence) Fishes (32 Occurrences) Broke (153 Occurrences) Brake (80 Occurrences) Thanks (151 Occurrences) Portions (49 Occurrences) Thousand (405 Occurrences) Resources What can we learn from Jesus' feeding of the 5,000? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:30)? | GotQuestions.org Why do we pray before eating meals? | GotQuestions.org Loaves: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Loaves (54 Occurrences)Matthew 4:3 Matthew 12:4 Matthew 14:17 Matthew 14:19 Matthew 15:33 Matthew 15:34 Matthew 15:36 Matthew 16:5 Matthew 16:7 Matthew 16:8 Matthew 16:9 Matthew 16:10 Mark 2:26 Mark 6:36 Mark 6:37 Mark 6:38 Mark 6:41 Mark 6:44 Mark 6:52 Mark 8:5 Mark 8:6 Mark 8:14 Mark 8:16 Mark 8:17 Mark 8:19 Mark 8:20 Luke 6:4 Luke 9:13 Luke 9:16 Luke 11:5 Luke 11:8 John 6:5 John 6:7 John 6:9 John 6:11 John 6:13 John 6:26 Hebrews 9:2 Leviticus 23:17 Leviticus 24:5 Joshua 5:11 Judges 8:5 1 Samuel 10:3 1 Samuel 10:4 1 Samuel 17:17 1 Samuel 21:3 1 Samuel 25:18 2 Samuel 16:1 1 Kings 14:3 2 Kings 4:42 1 Chronicles 9:32 1 Chronicles 23:29 1 Chronicles 28:16 2 Chronicles 13:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |