κλάω (klaō)
klaō
to break
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb klao means to break something into pieces. In the New Testament it appears fourteen times, mostly in the Gospels and Acts. It is the word Jesus uses when He breaks bread during the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26) and when He feeds the crowds (Mark 8:6). The term focuses on the physical act of dividing food.
Unlike other words for breaking, klao specifically describes breaking bread. This usage connects directly to early Christian gatherings where believers shared meals together (Acts 2:46). The verb appears in key narratives about Jesus’ ministry and the Lord’s Supper, highlighting how He prepared food for others. Translators usually render it simply as "break," keeping the focus on the tangible action rather than abstract symbolism.
The word carries theological weight through its repeated appearance in Eucharistic contexts. When Paul writes that the bread we break is a participation in Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 10:16), he uses this same verb. The physical breaking of bread becomes a visible sign of spiritual unity among believers, linking Jesus’ earthly ministry with the ongoing life of the Church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word klao describes the simple, physical act of breaking bread. In the New Testament, it appears mostly in stories where Jesus feeds crowds or shares a meal with his followers. This verb highlights how God meets our basic needs and invites us into community. When we read about Jesus breaking loaves, we see a God who cares for the hungry and creates space for sharing.
For Christians today, this word connects the historical events of the Gospels with our own lives. It reminds us that faith is not just about abstract ideas but about tangible actions like sharing food and caring for one another. Whether in the early church’s daily gatherings or in our modern meals, this act points to unity and gratitude.
Reflecting on klao can deepen your appreciation for the Lord’s Supper and everyday fellowship. It invites you to see ordinary moments of breaking bread as opportunities to experience God’s presence and connect with others in a spirit of thankfulness and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having broken [it]2×
- having broken2×
- breaking2×
- He broke [them]2×
- He broke [it]2×
- we break,1×
- broke [it],1×
- being broken;1×
- I broke1×
- He broke1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔκλασεν5×
- κλάσας4×
- ἔκλασεν,1×
- ἔκλασα1×
- κλῶντές1×
- κλῶμεν,1×
- κλώμενον·1×
- κλάσαι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:26
As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”
This verse records Jesus using the word during the Last Supper, linking the physical act of breaking bread directly to his body given for others.
-
Acts 2:46
Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,
Here the term describes the daily communal meals of the early church, showing how sharing food was central to their unity and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word klao mean?
How is klao different from other words for breaking?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 3 verses
He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to…
Matthew 15:36and he took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples…
Matthew 26:26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples and said, “Take, eat;…