Meaning

Man does not live by bread alone

Categorised in: English phrases and sayings that derive from the Bible ·Proverbs from the Bible ·A list of phrases about food and drink ·A List Of 720 English Proverbs, With Their Meanings Explained

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Man does not live by bread alone'?

Physical nourishment is not sufficient for a healthy life; man also has spiritual needs.

The powers that be
The powers that be - caption

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Man does not live by bread alone’?

From the Bible, Deuteronomy 8: 2-3 (King James Version):

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

also in Matthew 4:4:

But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

and Luke 4:4:

And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

Historical trend

“not live by bread alone” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1800–2020).

180018201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • not live by bread alone