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κλάω

kláō

G2806 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To break, especially in the context of breaking bread; to divide or snap something by force into pieces, often with reference to food, particularly bread, but also used more generally for breaking objects. In extended contexts, refers to the communal act of breaking bread, which may imply sharing a meal.

Semantic Range

to break (objects), to break bread (share a meal), to divide by breaking, to fracture, to snap

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root κλα-, an inherited Greek verb root meaning 'to break'; not derived from any Hebrew or Aramaic term, but used in the Septuagint as a translation of several Hebrew verbs meaning 'break' (שבר, פצל).

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classical Greek usage of κλάω predominantly referred to breaking or snapping objects, with examples in Homer and later authors. In the Hellenistic and Koine period, especially within the Septuagint and the New Testament, the term takes on a specialized usage for breaking bread, a common practice at meals and in ritual contexts. In the New Testament, 'to break bread' (κλάω ἄρτον) is used for both ordinary meals and for communal or religious gatherings, sometimes associated with covenantal or remembrance meals, but the verb itself does not inherently connote religious ritual. English translation traditions often render κλάω as 'break' or 'break bread,' but these may obscure that the verb is not technical and was a commonplace term for the physical act of breaking bread at a table. Related words include διακλάω (to break in pieces); contrast ἄρτοφάγος (bread-eater), which refers to one who eats bread rather than the act of breaking it. Use in LXX and NT focuses on meal-sharing customs typical of Mediterranean societies.

Translation Consistency

primary "break" 14 occurrences

Covers the full, typical semantic range — physical fracturing, dividing, and the idiom 'break bread' (share a meal). It is the natural, commonly used English verb for both literal and communal senses. Use the base form 'break' so all inflected SIDANCE forms can be generated consistently (even though many occurrences appear as 'broke' in translations).

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb; to break (specially, of bread):--break.

Root Family

κλάω (klaō) — to break, to snap, to divide by breaking

Root κλα- to break, to snap

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2806-02 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he broke he broke he broke 6
G2806-04 κλάσας klasas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG breaking having broken having broken 4
G2806-01 ἔκλασα eklasa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I broke I broke I broke 1
G2806-06 κλῶντές klontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL breaking breaking breaking 1
G2806-03 κλάσαι klasai V AOR ACT INF to to break to break 1
G2806-05 κλῶμεν klomen V PRS ACT IND 1P PL we break we break we break 1

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2806-04 Matthew 14:19 κλάσας klasas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG breaking having broken having broken
G2806-02 Matthew 15:36 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he broke he broke he broke
G2806-02 Matthew 26:26 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG broke he broke he broke
G2806-02 Mark 8:6 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he broke he broke he broke
G2806-01 Mark 8:19 ἔκλασα eklasa V AOR ACT IND 1P SG I broke I broke I broke
G2806-02 Mark 14:22 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he broke he broke he broke
G2806-02 Luke 22:19 ἔκλασεν eklasen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he broke he broke he broke
G2806-04 Luke 24:30 κλάσας klasas V AOR ACT PTCP NOM M SG breaking having broken having broken
G2806-06 Acts 2:46 κλῶντές klontes V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL breaking breaking breaking
G2806-03 Acts 20:7 κλάσαι klasai V AOR ACT INF to to break to break
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