PhrasesHub

The bread of life

    Definitions

      • sustenance or nourishment
        Referring to something that provides essential support or nourishment, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual

      • something essential or fundamental
        Describing something that is crucial or indispensable, often in a religious or metaphorical sense

    Examples of The bread of life

    • Jesus called himself the "bread of life" in the Bible (John 6:

      In this context, "bread of life" is a metaphor used by Jesus to describe himself as the source of spiritual nourishment that we need in order to have eternal life. Just as bread is food that sustains our physical bodies, Jesus is the one who provides the spiritual nourishment that sustains our souls.

    • Some religious organizations may refer to their teachings or traditions as the "bread of life" because they believe these teachings provide spiritual nourishment and guidance.

      In this context, "bread of life" is a metaphor used to describe the spiritual teachings or practices that people follow in order to sustain their faith and deepen their spiritual lives.

    • Some people may say that work or a particular job is the "bread of life" because it provides them with the financial means to survive and thrive.

      In this context, "bread of life" is a metaphor used to describe the means by which people sustain their physical lives, typically through employment or some other source of income.

    • Some people may say that love is the "bread of life" because they believe that love is the most essential and sustaining element of human existence.

      In this context, "bread of life" is a metaphor used to describe the most important and essential aspects of human existence. Just as bread is the most essential and sustaining element of our physical bodies, love is believed by some to be the most essential and sustaining element of our spiritual and emotional lives.

    • In times of crisis, Jesus is the bread of life that nourishes my soul and gives me strength to overcome adversity.

      This idiomatic expression is used to describe Jesus as the source of spiritual sustenance and nourishment that empowers us during difficult times. The phrase "the bread of life" is a biblical reference from John 6:35, where Jesus says, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." In this example, the speaker is invoking this metaphor to convey the idea that Jesus' teachings and beliefs provide a source of spiritual nourishment that helps them cope with hardships.

    • In the pursuit of personal growth, education is the bread of life that feeds the mind and broadens horizons.

      This metaphorical use of "the bread of life" emphasizes the importance of education in intellectual growth and personal development. It highlights the idea that the acquisition of knowledge is a crucial element in nurturing the mind, just as bread nourishes the body.

    • In a world filled with uncertainty and doubt, hope is the bread of life that sustains us when we feel lost and alone.

      This example places "hope" in the place of "bread," drawing attention to its ability to provide comfort and solace during difficult times. The metaphorical use of "the bread of life" stresses the idea that hope is a source of spiritual and emotional sustenance that enables us to weather storms and find our way through the darkness.

    • In the current economic climate, hard work and determination are the bread of life that enable us to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life.

      In this last example, "hard work and determination" replace "bread" to underscore the importance of these qualities in achieving success and fulfillment. The metaphorical use of "the bread of life" suggests that these virtues provide the nourishment we need to lead a meaningful and rewarding life, just as bread provides the nutrients our body needs to function optimally.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "the bread of life" has two main meanings. It can refer to sustenance or nourishment in a literal or metaphorical sense, and it can also describe something essential or fundamental. In both cases, it emphasizes the importance and necessity of the subject at hand for a person's well-being or existence.

    Origin of "The bread of life"

    The phrase "the bread of life" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament. In the Gospel of John, Jesus refers to himself as "the bread of life" in a metaphorical sense, emphasizing the spiritual nourishment and sustenance he provides to his followers. This religious origin has led to the phrase being used in a broader context to describe anything that is essential or provides sustenance in a metaphorical sense. The idiom has become a common expression in English and is used to convey the idea of something being crucial or indispensable for life or well-being. For example, someone might refer to education as "the bread of life" for young people, highlighting its importance and essential nature.