shewbread

noun Judaism.

1. the 12 loaves of bread placed every Sabbath on a table in the sanctuary of the Biblical tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering by the priests to God. Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9.

noun

1. Old Testament the loaves of bread placed every Sabbath on the table beside the altar of incense in the tabernacle or temple of ancient Israel (Exodus 25:30; Leviticus 24:5–9)

n.1530, Tyndale’s word (Exodus xxv:30), based on or influenced by German schaubrot (in Luther), literally “show-bread,” translating Latin panes propositiones, from Greek artai enopioi, from Hebrew lechem panim, the 12 loaves placed every Sabbath “before the Lord” on a table beside the altar of incense, from lechem “bread” + panim “face, presence.” Old English translations used offring-hlafas.