Bread
ἄρτος (artos)
Physical and spiritual nourishment — a symbol of God's provision and Christ's body.
Artos is the Greek word for bread, the staple food of the ancient world. In Scripture, bread symbolizes God's provision, sustenance, and ultimately Christ Himself — the bread of life.
"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger." — John 6:35 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 6:35
“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger.”Read in context
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Artos in Greek and lechem in Hebrew refer to bread — the most basic food of the ancient Near East. Bread was so central to daily life that it became synonymous with food itself and even with life. Bethlehem (beth-lechem) means 'house of bread,' making Jesus' birthplace symbolically rich — the Bread of Life born in the House of Bread.
Bread as Divine Provision
From the manna in the wilderness to the multiplication of loaves, bread consistently symbolizes God's provision. Elijah was fed bread by ravens (1 Kings 17:6). The showbread in the tabernacle represented God's sustaining presence. The Lord's Prayer asks for 'daily bread,' affirming dependence on God for the most basic needs of life.
Jesus, the Bread of Life
Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life' (John 6:35), making the most fundamental claim: as bread sustains physical life, He sustains spiritual and eternal life. This discourse followed the feeding of 5,000, redirecting the crowd from miracle-seeking to faith. Eating this bread means believing in Christ and receiving the life He gives.
The Broken Bread of Communion
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread, broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is given for you' (Luke 22:19). The breaking of bread became the central act of Christian worship — the Lord's Supper or Communion. In this simple meal, believers remember Christ's sacrifice, proclaim His death, and anticipate His return.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bread symbolize in the Bible?
Bread symbolizes God's provision, sustenance, and life. Jesus called Himself the 'bread of life' (John 6:35), and the broken bread of Communion represents His body given for believers.
What is the bread of life?
Jesus declared Himself the bread of life in John 6:35, meaning He is the source of spiritual and eternal life, just as physical bread sustains the body.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Bread"?
John 6:35 — "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger" (KJV). It also appears in Matthew 6:11, Luke 22:19.
Why does the Greek word behind "Bread" matter?
Artos in Greek and lechem in Hebrew refer to bread — the most basic food of the ancient Near East. English uses one word, "Bread", where the Greek ἄρτος (artos) carries the fuller sense: physical and spiritual nourishment — a symbol of god's provision and christ's body.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Bread (ἄρτος (artos))
Physical and spiritual nourishment — a symbol of God's provision and Christ's body.
Biblical Meaning of Bread in a Dream (KJV)
Provision, the Word, and Christ Himself.
What Is the Meaning of Communion?
Prayer & Worship
Bread (לֶחֶם (lechem))
Basic sustenance — the staff of life and symbol of God's provision and Christ's body.
Strong's H3899 — Bread
לֶחֶם (lechem) • Basic sustenance — the staff of life and symbol of God's provision and Christ's body.
Prayer for First Communion
A young believer's first sacred meal.
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