אֶשְׁפָּר (esh.par)
esh.par
raisin bun
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun eshpar refers to a prepared food item, most likely a cake or roll made from dried fruit. Lexical sources describe it variously as a "raisin bun," a "date-cake," or simply a measured portion of meat, though the precise nature of the dish remains somewhat obscure. Its meaning hinges on the idea of a solid, compacted foodstuff rather than a liquid.
This word appears in only two biblical passages, both within the historical records of King David’s reign (2 Samuel 6:19 and 1 Chronicles 16:3). In these contexts, it is listed among other provisions like bread and fruit offered to the people. The rarity of the term suggests it was a specific type of provision or delicacy known to the original audience but less common in everyday speech.
Its occurrence alongside bread and wine highlights its role as part of a communal meal or celebration. While modern readers might struggle to visualize the exact texture, the word points to the tangible, shared nature of ancient Israelite feasts, where prepared foods like these cakes served as central elements of hospitality and worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about David bringing the ark to Jerusalem, the text lists simple gifts: bread, fruit, and these small cakes. It is easy to skip over such details, but they reveal a God who cares about the physical needs of His people. He did not offer abstract ideas; He offered food that could be held, tasted, and shared.
These raisin buns were likely sweet, dense treats made from dried fruit. In an ancient world where sugar was rare, such cakes were a special delight. By including them in the feast, David ensured that every person, rich or poor, man or woman, received a tangible taste of celebration. It reminds us that worship is not just about solemn rituals but also about joyful, shared meals.
God’s provision often comes in everyday forms. Whether it is a simple loaf of bread or a small cake, He meets us where we are. This story invites us to see the sacred in the ordinary moments of sharing food with others, knowing that these acts reflect His generous heart toward all His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ a date-cake2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶשְׁפָּ֣ר1×
- וְ/אֶשְׁפָּ֖ר1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 6:19
He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and raisins. So all the people departed, each to his own house.
This verse shows the word used alongside bread and dates to describe a portion given to every member of the community, highlighting inclusivity in worship.
-
I Chronicles 16:3
He gave to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins.
Here the term appears as part of a three-item gift list, emphasizing that David’s celebration provided specific, substantial food for everyone present.