shewbread

American  

[shoh-bred] / ˈʃoʊˌbrɛd /

Or showbread

noun

Judaism.

1. 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.

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shewbread British  

/ ˈʃəʊˌbrɛd /

noun

1. 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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Etymology

Origin of shewbread

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”)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shewbread

This has upon it two cakes, two fantastically fashioned loaves of shewbread, triumphs of the baker's art with their doves and true lovers' knots, and three vases of cut flowers.

From Jamaican Song and Story Annancy stories, digging sings, ring tunes, and dancing tunes by Jekyll, Walter

The keeping of the Sabbath free from all work, and the appropriation of the shewbread to the use of the priests alone, were but ceremonial obligations; the preservation of life was a moral duty.

From The Expositor's Bible: The First Book of Samuel by Blaikie, William Garden

I have not spoiled the shewbread of the gods.

From The Religions of Ancient Egypt and Babylonia by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)

He allegeth, the priests' breaking of the Sabbath, David's eating of the shewbread, and the apostles' practising of very hurtful ceremonies; all which things being unlawful were done lawfully, to further greater duties.

From The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2) by Gillespie, George

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

From The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews by Edwards, Thomas Charles