“Man does not live by bread alone”: meaning, origin and examples

What it means
The phrase Man does not live by bread alone suggests that human beings need more than just physical sustenance to live a fulfilling life; they also need spiritual, emotional, and intellectual nourishment.
Tone Reflective
Where it comes from
This phrase originates from the Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew 4:4 and the Book of Deuteronomy 8:3, where it is noted that spiritual nourishment is as important as physical sustenance.
Examples
- In today’s fast-paced world, we must remember that man does not live by bread alone and seek activities that nurture the soul.
- While earning a good salary is important, chasing only financial gains makes us forget that man does not live by bread alone.
- Volunteering at the community center reminded me that man does not live by bread alone and the joy of helping others is equally essential.
Spotted a mistake in this article? Tell us