showbread: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Very Low Frequency - primarily in religious, historical, or academic contexts)Formal, Technical/Religious, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “showbread” mean?
Consecrated bread placed on a special table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible. Also called 'bread of the Presence'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Consecrated bread placed on a special table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible. Also called 'bread of the Presence'.
In a broader historical or metaphorical sense, it can refer to any consecrated or ceremonial bread, or to something presented as an offering or symbol of devotion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both religious and academic discourses.
Connotations
Carries identical religious/historical connotations. No regional variance.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be encountered in contexts discussing the King James Version of the Bible, which uses the term.
Grammar
How to Use “showbread” in a Sentence
[The] showbread + [was/were] + [past participle verb] (e.g., placed, eaten, renewed)[Subject] + [verb] + the showbread (e.g., replaced, arranged, consecrated)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, historical, and archaeological contexts discussing ancient Israelite religion.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used except in specific religious teaching or discussion.
Technical
Technical term within Biblical scholarship and Judaic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showbread”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showbread”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showbread”
- Using it as a countable noun without 'the' (e.g., 'a showbread' - it's typically 'the showbread' or 'showbread' as an uncountable mass).
- Confusing it with ordinary communion or Eucharist bread.
- Misspelling as 'show bread' (it is typically a closed compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specific term from ancient Israelite worship as described in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is not part of modern Christian or Jewish liturgical practice, though it may be referenced in teaching.
Rarely. It is usually treated as a singular mass noun ('the showbread'). One might refer to 'the loaves of showbread' or 'the showbread loaves' to indicate plurality.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Shewbread' is an archaic spelling from older English Bible translations (like the King James Version). 'Showbread' is the modern standardized spelling.
According to the Biblical text, only the Aaronic priests were permitted to eat the showbread, and only in a holy place, after it had been replaced with fresh loaves.
Consecrated bread placed on a special table in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Hebrew Bible. Also called 'bread of the Presence'.
Showbread is usually formal, technical/religious, archaic in register.
Showbread: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊbrɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊbrɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none directly; the word itself is a technical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SHOW' as in 'to display' and 'BREAD' - it's the bread displayed or shown before God in the Temple.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL SUSTENANCE IS FOOD (The showbread represents the continual presence and provision of God for His people).
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary function of the showbread in the Temple?