κλάω

I break

Definition

The verb κλάω primarily means 'to break' or 'to break in pieces.' In the New Testament, its most significant and consistent usage is in the context of breaking bread, referring to the act of dividing a loaf at a meal (Matthew 14:19, Mark 8:6). This action is central to the Last Supper narratives, where Jesus 'broke' the bread as a symbolic act representing his body given for his disciples (Matthew 26:26, Luke 22:19). The word can also carry a more general sense of breaking, as implied in the disciples' recollection of gathering leftover fragments (Mark 8:19).

Biblical Usage

κλάω is used exclusively in the Gospels and Acts (in the feeding miracles and Last Supper accounts) and once in 1 Corinthians. It appears in the context of Jesus performing the feeding miracles (Matthew 14:19, 15:36; Mark 8:6, 8:19), instituting the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24), and in post-resurrection meal fellowship (Luke 24:30; Acts 2:46, 20:7, 20:11, 27:35). The pattern is almost entirely ritual and communal, associated with Jesus's provision and the shared fellowship meal of the early church.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kelh₂-, meaning 'to strike.' It is a primary Greek verb. Cognates include κλάδος (klados, G2798) meaning 'a branch' (something broken off) and κλᾶσις (klasis) meaning 'a breaking.' The meaning developed from the general physical action of breaking to its specific, ritual application in the context of a shared meal.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically rich as it is inextricably linked to the institution of the Eucharist or Communion. The act of 'breaking bread' by Jesus directly symbolizes the breaking of his body in sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24). Understanding κλάω enriches the reading of these passages by highlighting the intentional, symbolic action behind a simple meal practice, connecting physical sustenance with spiritual remembrance and proclamation of Christ's death.

In the 1st-century Mediterranean world, a meal typically began with the head of the household taking a loaf of bread, giving thanks, and breaking it to distribute to those at the table. This was a normal cultural practice signifying fellowship, provision, and the beginning of a shared meal. Jesus and the early church invested this common cultural action with profound new meaning, transforming it into a central act of Christian worship and remembrance.

συντρίβω (syntribō, G4937) — to shatter, crush, or break completely; often with a sense of violence or destruction. ῥήγνυμι (rhēgnymi, G4486) — to tear, burst, or break open with force; used for tearing clothes or breaking chains.

Word Details

Scripture References