The term "luncheon" does not appear explicitly in the Bible, as the concept of meals and their timing in ancient times differs from modern customs. However, the Bible does provide insights into meal practices and the significance of shared meals in biblical times, which can be related to the idea of a midday meal or luncheon.

Biblical Context of Meals

In biblical times, meals were significant social and religious events. They were often communal and served as opportunities for fellowship, hospitality, and the reinforcement of social bonds. Meals were also occasions for teaching and spiritual reflection. The Bible frequently mentions meals in various contexts, highlighting their importance in daily life and religious observance.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, meals are often associated with hospitality and covenant relationships. For example, Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors in Genesis 18:1-8 includes a meal prepared for them. This event underscores the cultural importance of sharing food as a gesture of welcome and respect.

The Israelites' dietary laws, as outlined in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14, also reflect the significance of meals in maintaining holiness and obedience to God. These laws dictated what could be consumed, emphasizing the spiritual dimensions of eating.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, meals continue to play a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The Gospels frequently depict Jesus sharing meals with various groups, including sinners and tax collectors, as seen in Matthew 9:10-11. These meals often served as opportunities for teaching and demonstrating the inclusivity of God's kingdom.

The Last Supper, described in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Luke 22:14-20), is a pivotal meal that Jesus shares with His disciples. It establishes the practice of Communion, a sacrament observed by Christians to remember Christ's sacrifice.

Spiritual Significance

Meals in the Bible often carry spiritual significance beyond mere sustenance. They symbolize fellowship with God and others, as well as the provision and blessing of God. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus uses the metaphor of a meal to describe fellowship with believers: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me" .

Cultural Practices

While the Bible does not specify a "luncheon" as understood today, the practice of eating a midday meal was common in ancient cultures. The timing and content of meals varied based on cultural and regional practices. In the Greco-Roman world, for example, meals were typically divided into breakfast, a midday meal, and an evening meal.

Conclusion

Though the Bible does not mention "luncheon" specifically, the principles surrounding meals in Scripture emphasize hospitality, fellowship, and spiritual reflection. These principles can be applied to modern practices of sharing meals, including luncheons, as opportunities to build community and express Christian love and hospitality.1. (n.) A lump of food.

2. (n.) A portion of food taken at any time except at a regular meal; an informal or light repast, as between breakfast and dinner.

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

712. ariston -- breakfast, dinner
... Word Origin perhaps from eri (early) and prim. root ed- (eat, see esthio) Definition
breakfast, dinner NASB Word Usage dinner (1), luncheon (1), meal (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/712.htm - 7k

He Touched Her Hand.
... There was her little daughter to get off to school with her luncheon. ... The luncheon
for the church ladies was not quite so elaborate as she had planned. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/he touched her hand.htm

Social Recreation.
... has been thinned out, the older persons having gone to the tables, short, spirited
games should be introduced in which every person not at luncheon, should be ...
/.../judy/questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/vii social recreation.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... Dr. T. said, 'Then I call you brother"come and let us eat together in love.' At
this time the table was set for luncheon, and all the missionaries and their ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

Early Missionary Experiences
... Another day my friend Mr. Wylie left a book on the table after luncheon, and returning
for it about five minutes later, found the arm of the chair on which he ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter ix early missionary experiences.htm

On Daniel. vi. On Susannah.
... "And when they were gone out, they parted the one from the other." As to their parting
the one from the other at the hour of dinner (luncheon), this signifies ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/on daniel vi on susannah.htm

Philip at Antioch
... tragic countenances. Luncheon was going on, but he was ostentatiously ignored,
as though he were not present at all. Patience had ...
/.../chapter lxvi philip at antioch.htm

Beyond Cincinnati
... Upon Mr. Nelson's entry into the luncheon hall after the convention, he was greeted
by a tremendous ovation. He was a strong man among strong men. ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/beyond cincinnati.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... At length, however, I took a luncheon of bread, and steeping it in wine from my
bota, I thrust it between her jaws, and thus revived her; and I assure you that ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... To study history at the spot where the event took place means work as well as pleasure,
so we took our luncheon and sleep in our car while the train carried us ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

Second Address.
... only regard their bodies as His instruments and their homes as His temples; who
are willing that their breakfast hours, or dinner hours, or luncheon hours, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/second address.htm

Luncheon (1 Occurrence)
... between breakfast and dinner. 3. (vi) To take luncheon. Multi-Version
Concordance Luncheon (1 Occurrence). Luke 14:12 He ...
/l/luncheon.htm - 7k

Lunch (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A luncheon; specifically, a light repast between
breakfast and dinner. 2. (vi) To take luncheon. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/l/lunch.htm - 6k

Lure (2 Occurrences)

/l/lure.htm - 7k

Bait (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A portion of food or drink, as a refreshment taken on a journey; also, a
stop for rest and refreshment. 4. (n.) A light or hasty luncheon. ...
/b/bait.htm - 8k

Crib (3 Occurrences)
... lessons. 10. (n.) A miner's luncheon. 11. (n.) The discarded cards which
the dealer can use in scoring points in cribbage. 12. (vt ...
/c/crib.htm - 9k

Meal-time (1 Occurrence)
... meal at Joppa, interrupted by the messengers of Cornelius, was at "the sixth hour,"
ie 12 M. It corresponded somewhat to our modern "luncheon," but the hour ...
/m/meal-time.htm - 24k

Mealtime (1 Occurrence)
... meal at Joppa, interrupted by the messengers of Cornelius, was at "the sixth hour,"
ie 12 M. It corresponded somewhat to our modern "luncheon," but the hour ...
/m/mealtime.htm - 24k

Meals (8 Occurrences)
... meal at Joppa, interrupted by the messengers of Cornelius, was at "the sixth hour,"
ie 12 M. It corresponded somewhat to our modern "luncheon," but the hour ...
/m/meals.htm - 27k

Luncheon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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