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

Here too was the golden table of shewbread and the parakku, or mercy-seat, which at times gave its name to the whole shrine.

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

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

By the colonnade on the left hand was an ambo or pulpit, and under it a confessional; there were also a seven-branched candlestick, a baptismal font, a table with shewbread, and an incense-altar.

From Historical Miniatures by Strindberg, August

I have not spoiled the shewbread of the gods.

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

For there was a tabernacle prepared, the first, wherein were the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the Holy place.

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