In biblical times, the concept of "lunch" as a distinct meal is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the practice of eating during the day is evident throughout the Bible, reflecting the customs and daily life of ancient Near Eastern cultures. Meals were typically divided into two main parts: a morning meal and an evening meal, with the possibility of a midday meal or snack, which could be considered akin to what we now call lunch.

Biblical Context and Practices

1. Daily Meals: The Israelites, like other ancient peoples, generally ate two main meals a day. The first meal was often a light breakfast, and the second was a more substantial evening meal. However, there are instances in the Bible where eating during the day is mentioned, suggesting a midday meal or snack.

2. Midday Eating: In the account of Ruth, Boaz invites Ruth to eat with him and his workers during the harvest: "At mealtime Boaz said to her, 'Come over here, have some bread, and dip it in the vinegar sauce.' So she sat down beside the harvesters, and he offered her roasted grain, and she ate and was satisfied and had some left over" (Ruth 2:14). This passage indicates a meal taken during the workday, which could be likened to lunch.

3. Jesus and the Disciples: In the New Testament, Jesus and His disciples often shared meals together. While specific references to lunch are not made, there are instances where Jesus provides food during the day. For example, the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) and the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) occurred during the day, suggesting a meal that could be considered lunch.

4. Cultural Practices: The cultural context of the Bible shows that meals were important social and communal events. Eating together was a sign of fellowship and hospitality. In Acts 2:46, the early Christians are described as "breaking bread in their homes and eating together with glad and sincere hearts" , indicating the communal nature of meals, which could include a midday gathering.

5. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons: Meals in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. Jesus used the act of eating to teach spiritual truths, such as in the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20) and in His post-resurrection appearances where He ate with His disciples (Luke 24:30-31, John 21:12-13). These instances highlight the importance of fellowship and communion with God and others.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention "lunch" as a separate meal, the practice of eating during the day is evident and carries significant cultural and spiritual implications. Meals were opportunities for fellowship, teaching, and demonstrating God's provision and care.1. (n.) A luncheon; specifically, a light repast between breakfast and dinner.

2. (v. i.) To take luncheon.

709. aristao -- to breakfast, hence to take a meal
... Cognate: 709 -- to eat breakfast or lunch -- the "noon" meal eaten roughly in the
middle of the day; to eat 1173 ("supper"), ie before the main meal, usually ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/709.htm - 7k

4711. spuris -- a (large, flexible) basket (for carrying ...
... basket. From speiro (as woven); a hamper or lunch-receptacle -- basket. see GREEK
speiro. (spuridas) -- 3 Occurrences. (spuridi) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4711.htm - 6k

6718. tsayid -- hunting, game
... From a form of tsuwd and meaning the same; the chase; also game (thus taken);
(generally) lunch (especially for a journey) -- X catcheth, food, X hunter, (that ...
/hebrew/6718.htm - 5k

Chapter six
... Virginia asked Rachel to come and lunch with her at noon, and Rachel accordingly
rang the bell at the Page mansion about half-past eleven. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter six.htm

Chapter five
... My plan is to provide a good place where the men can come up and eat their noon
lunch, and give them, two or three times a week, the privilege of a fifteen ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter five.htm

Walamir and St. Telemachus
... making me talk so much. We'll have some lunch now, and then I won't tell
you a word more till I've caught enough. And, to punish you ...
/.../chapter lix walamir and st.htm

First Day in New York
... in my buttonhole. Let us go for lunch, said he and I followed gladly for
I felt it was a timely call. As George N. is a bachelor ...
/.../chapter iii first day in.htm

With the Rev. William Burns
... addressed two audiences. On our return to the boats for lunch, we found
people waiting, as usual, and desiring books. Some were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xi with the rev.htm

Foreword
... WF Flemington was good enough to invite Mr. Manning to lunch, so that we could
meet. As one would expect, he was the most modest of men. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/foreword.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... One day, however, the hermit Therese forgot herself"before eating a cake, given
her for lunch, she made a large Sign of the Cross, and some worldly folk did ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter iii pauline enters the.htm

The Singer of Pietism
... are said to have become so interested in the latter that they brought their hymnals
with them to work so that they might sing from them during lunch hours. ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter nine the singer of.htm

Life in London
... bread, purchased daily on my long walk from the hospital, furnished me with supper
and breakfast; and on that diet, with a few apples for lunch, I managed to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter v life in london.htm

Various Experiences --Continued
... After eating, with considerable difficulty, a little lunch set before me, I was
shown to my room, which had a more cleanly appearance than the room down-stairs ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xv various experiencescontinued.htm

Lunch (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vi) To take luncheon. Multi-Version Concordance Lunch (1 Occurrence). Luke
11:37 Now as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to dine with him. ...
/l/lunch.htm - 6k

Luncheon (1 Occurrence)

/l/luncheon.htm - 7k

Lunatics (1 Occurrence)

/l/lunatics.htm - 6k

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