prosphora (πρόσφορα)
- Language: Greek
- Romanized: prosphora
- Original script: πρόσφορα
- Gloss: offering loaves
Greek Orthodox eucharistic bread prepared for the Divine Liturgy. As leavened bread offered at the altar, it stands opposite the Latin azyma and is one of the pressure points in The Schism Over Leaven.
Concordance Aid
Reading Note
Example passages: Hebrews 10:10; Greek Orthodox proskomide; the East-West leaven dispute.
Prosphora is bread under the sign of offering. It has already been prepared, named, and brought forward before it is eaten. In the book, it shows bread as a liturgical act rather than a mere food item.
Translation Range
Offering, oblation, offering bread, presented loaf.
Not To Be Confused With
Prosphora is not the same as azyma. Prosphora emphasizes offering; azyma emphasizes unleavened bread.
Translator’s Choice
Leaving prosphora untranslated can preserve Orthodox liturgical specificity. Translating it as “offering bread” helps general readers understand its function.
Related entries
- Azyma — unleavened things
- Artos — bread, loaf
- Eucharisteo — to give thanks
- Minhah — Hebrew grain offering