UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to break, to break bread

Semantic entry: 19.34

Semantic domains: Physical Impact

Subdomains: Break, Break Through

Definition: to break an object into two or more parts (in the NT κλάω and κλάσις are used exclusively for breaking bread)

Notes: In some languages important distinctions are made for terms meaning ‘to break’ depending on the substance involved. For example, the breaking of a stick or a bone would require quite a different term from that used in speaking of breaking bread. Furthermore, the action of breaking bread would probably imply breaking into several pieces rather than a single break. Such a distinction may likewise require a special term.

Sense 2: to eat a meal, to have a meal

Semantic entry: 23.20

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Eat, Drink

Definition: (an idiom, literally: to break bread) to eat a meal, without reference to any particular time of the day or to the type of food involved

Notes: In some languages it is impossible to speak of ‘having a meal’ without indicating the time of day or the nature of the food consumed.|The implication of ‘eating together’ comes from the total context. ἐν δὲ τῇ μιᾷ τῶν σαββάτων συνηγμένων ἡμῶν κλάσαι ἄρτον ‘on the first day of the week we gathered together for a meal’ RV ACT 20:7 · LV ACT 20:7 · Read together ACT 20:7. No doubt the reference in RV ACT 20:7 · LV ACT 20:7 · Read together ACT 20:7 is to the ‘fellowship meal,’ called ‘agape,’ which constituted the early Christian form of the ‘Lord’s Supper.’ See 23.28: ἀγάπη.

Collocations: ἄρτον κλάω