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What the Bible Says About Bread

Overview

The Bible addresses bread across 22 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Ezekiel and Hosea. Closely related themes include Loaves, Miracles of Christ, the, Prophets and Oven. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

Key Bible verses about bread

Old Testament

Ezekiel

Ezekiel 24:17

Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. Forbear: Heb. Be silent lips: Heb. upper lip

Ezekiel 24:18

So I spake unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

Ezekiel 24:19

And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?

Ezekiel 24:20

Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

Ezekiel 24:21

Speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters whom ye have left shall fall by the sword. that: Heb. the pity of your soul

Ezekiel 24:22

And ye shall do as I have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men.

New Testament

Matthew

Matthew 14:19

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 14:20

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.

Matthew 14:21

And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

Matthew 15:34

And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

Matthew 15:35

And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Matthew 15:36

And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Matthew 15:37

And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

People in the Bible and bread

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying bread for yourself

  • Begin with Ezekiel 24:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Matthew, Ezekiel and Hosea each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Loaves, Miracles of Christ, the, Prophets and Oven.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about bread?

The Bible addresses bread across 22 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Matthew, Ezekiel and Hosea. Closely related themes include Loaves, Miracles of Christ, the, Prophets and Oven. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about bread?

The Bible references bread in 22 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention bread?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Ezekiel 24:17: “Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men. Forbear: Heb. Be silent lips: Heb. upper lip”

Which people in the Bible are associated with bread?

Jesus.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on bread.

Preach a series on Bread