The meaning of “ἄρτος”
Understanding ártos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(shew-)bread, loaf. - bread (as raised) or a loaf
ἄρτος
(shew-)bread, loaf. - bread (as raised) or a loaf
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 15:34 | “And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.” Word: ἄρτος (ártos) | |
| Mark 7:5 | “Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?” Word: ἄρτος (ártos) | |
| Luke 11:5 | “And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves;” Word: ἄρτος (ártos) | |
| John 6:34 | “Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.” Word: ἄρτος (ártos) | |
| Acts 20:7 | “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” Word: ἄρτος (ártos) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Bread
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Bread, food
The Hebrew lechem (לֶחֶם) means bread or food—the staple of life. Bethlehem ('house of bread') was where the Bread of Life was born. God provided manna, 'bread from heaven' (Exodus 16:4), in the wilderness.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Bread, loaf
The Greek artos (ἄρτος) means bread. Jesus declared 'I am the bread of life' (John 6:35), and at the Last Supper took bread saying 'This is my body' (Matthew 26:26), instituting communion.