The meaning of “לֶחֶם”
Understanding lechem reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. - food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (fo...
לֶחֶם
(shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. - food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 41:55 | “And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: and Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, Go unto Joseph; what he saith to you, do.” Word: לֶחֶם (lechem) | |
| Judges 8:15 | “And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?” Word: לֶחֶם (lechem) | |
| 1 Chronicles 16:3 | “And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to every one a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.” Word: לֶחֶם (lechem) | |
| Proverbs 23:6 | “Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:” Word: לֶחֶם (lechem) | |
| Daniel 10:3 | “I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” Word: לֶחֶם (lechem) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
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.