Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Bread”
The biblical word “Bread” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (lechem (Hebrew), artos (Greek)), where it meant “Staple food made from grain; symbol of sustenance or the Passover meal”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “Baked dough food; metaphorically, livelihood or spiritual nourishment”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greeklechem (Hebrew), artos (Greek)Staple food made from grain; symbol of sustenance or the Passover meal
Hebrew lechem (לחם, H3899) basic word for bread/food. Greek artos (ἄρτος) used in eucharistic contexts; 'daily bread' in Matthew 6:11 uses the term for essential nourishment.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinpanisThe body of Christ in Eucharistic theology; spiritual sustenance
Latin panis. 'Panis vitae' (bread of life) became central to Eucharistic doctrine and medieval mystical theology.
Modern English
EnglishbreadBaked dough food; metaphorically, livelihood or spiritual nourishment
From Old English bread. Retains dual meaning of material sustenance and spiritual metaphor in 'bread of life.'