shewbread

or show·bread

[ shoh-bred ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Judaism.

the 12 loaves of bread placed every Sabbath on a table in the sanctuary of the Biblical tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering by the priests to God. Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5–9.

shewbread

/ ˈʃəʊˌbrɛd /

noun

Old Testament the loaves of bread placed every Sabbath on the table beside the altar of incense in the tabernacle or temple of ancient Israel (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5–9)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of shewbread¹

First recorded in 1530–35; shew + bread, modeled on German Schaubrot, Martin Luther's translation of Greek ártoi enṓpioi “loaves facing; loaves in front,” translation of Hebrew leḥem pānīm “bread of the Divine Presence” (literally “bread of the face”)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of shewbread¹

on the model of German Schaubrot, a translation of the Greek artoi enōpioi, a translation of the Hebrew lechem pānīm, literally: bread of the presence

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Example Sentences

The shewbread, laid on the table in rows of twelve cakes, was eaten by Aaron and his sons.

From Project Gutenberg

But did not David eat of the shewbread in pressing circumstances?

From Project Gutenberg

In view of the condition of urgent need the priest had given the shewbread to the hungry men.

From Project Gutenberg

He also asked for five sacred loaves of shewbread, which no one dared to eat except the priests.

From Project Gutenberg

The altar within the Temple and the table of shewbread were likewise covered with the same precious metal.

From Project Gutenberg

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