κατακλάω

From the study of Luke 9:16

Range of meaning

To break off or break into pieces. It appears only twice in the New Testament, here and in the parallel at Mark 6:41. The simple verb klaō, 'to break,' is the usual word for breaking bread at a meal.

Against the English

English 'broke' is accurate. The prefix suggests breaking the bread right down into portions rather than snapping it in two once. KJV's 'brake' is an older form of the same word.

Used elsewhere in the period

Used in classical and Hellenistic Greek for breaking things into fragments. In Jewish custom, attested in later rabbinic sources but almost certainly older, the person who said the blessing also broke the bread and handed it round. That gesture opened the meal and marked him as host.

From the study of Mark 6:41

Range of meaning

To break into pieces or break up. It is a strengthened form of klaō, 'break,' the verb used for breaking bread.

Against the English

'Broke the loaves' is accurate. English loses the slight sense of breaking the loaves up into many pieces for distribution.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament it occurs only here and in the parallel Luke 9:16. The simple verb klaō is the usual term for breaking bread at a meal: Mark 8:6, 8:19, 14:22; Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 11:24. In Jewish custom the one who said the blessing then broke the bread, and that act opened the meal.