### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ártos**, represented by `{{G740}}`, is a key term for **bread** or a **loaf**. It appears **99 times** across **91 unique verses**. Derived from `{{G142}}` **aírō**, meaning "to lift up," the term implies leavened or raised bread. While it often refers to physical food, it also carries profound symbolic and theological weight throughout the New Testament, signifying sustenance, divine provision, and Christ himself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G740}}` is used in several significant ways. It represents daily physical sustenance, as requested in the prayer, "Give us this day our daily **bread**" [[Matthew 6:11]]. It is also central to Jesus' miracles, such as the feeding of the multitudes with just a few **loaves** [[Matthew 14:19]]. The term is used for the sacred **shewbread** in the tabernacle [[Hebrews 9:2]]. Most significantly, Jesus uses it metaphorically, declaring, "I am the **bread** of life" [[John 6:35]], contrasting this spiritual provision with the temporary manna from heaven that the fathers ate [[John 6:31]]. At the Last Supper, Jesus took **bread**, broke it, and identified it with His body given for believers [[Matthew 26:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for food and consumption:
* `{{G1033}}` **brōma** (food): This term for food is used when the disciples question how to feed the multitude, having only five **loaves** and needing to buy **meat** for the people [[Luke 9:13]].
* `{{G1035}}` **brōsis** (food): This word for food or eating is directly connected to `{{G740}}`, as seen in the promise that God ministers **bread** for your **food** [[2 Corinthians 9:10]].
* `{{G5315}}` **phágō** (to eat): This verb is frequently used with **bread**, such as when Jesus commands his disciples at the Last Supper to "Take, **eat**; this is my body" [[Matthew 26:26]].
* `{{G5176}}` **trṓgō** (to eat): This term, often implying a more deliberate eating or chewing, is used in Jesus' declaration, "he that **eateth** of this bread shall live for ever" [[John 6:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G740}}` is central to Christian doctrine and practice.
* **Divine Provision:** From daily sustenance [[Matthew 6:11]] to miraculous multiplication [[Matthew 14:19]], **bread** serves as a tangible symbol of God's provision for both physical and spiritual needs.
* **Christ as True Sustenance:** Jesus identifies himself as the "living **bread** which came down from heaven" [[John 6:51]]. This positions him as the only source of eternal life, superior to the manna that sustained the Israelites only temporarily [[John 6:58]].
* **Symbol of Communion:** The breaking of **bread** is established by Jesus as an act of remembrance of his sacrifice [[Luke 22:19]]. It became a cornerstone of fellowship for the early church [[Acts 2:42]] and symbolizes the unity of believers, who, being many, are one **bread** and one body in Christ [[1 Corinthians 10:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G740}}` evolves in scripture from a word for a common food staple into a rich and vital theological symbol. It represents God's faithful provision, the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ as the **bread** of life, and the unity of believers who share in the communion of His body. The journey of this single word illustrates the biblical pattern of using physical realities to explain profound spiritual truths.
TRV