Bible Dictionary
Meals
Biblical meals commonly involved shared dishes, bread used with the hands, washing before and after eating, and a blessing of God. In later periods guests often reclined on couches, especially at formal feasts and banquets.
Biblical Usage
Scripture describes meals, feasts, table fellowship, reclining at another’s bosom, the giving of portions, and blessings before eating. Formal feasts could include music, singing, dancing, riddles, and a supervising governor of the feast.
Scripture References
Luke 7:36-50
Genesis 43:16
Proverbs 15:17
Luke 14:12
John 21:12
Ruth 2:14
Ruth 2:17
Genesis 27:19
Judges 19:6
1 Samuel 20:5
1 Samuel 20:24
1 Kings 13:20
John 13:23
John 21:20
1 Samuel 9:13
Luke 9:16
John 6:11
Matthew 26:23
Genesis 43:34
1 Samuel 1:4
John 13:26
Esther 5:8
Matthew 22:3
Esther 6:14
Proverbs 9:3
Matthew 22:4
Luke 7:45
Luke 7:44
Psalms 23:5
John 12:3
Matthew 22:11
Isaiah 28:1
John 2:8
Sir 32:1
Sir 32:2
Genesis 43:33
Mark 12:39
1 Samuel 9:24
2 Samuel 19:35
Judges 14:12
Esther 1:3
Esther 1:4