- English translation
A person who has benefited from another people’s generosity will fight on their side.
- Literal wording
Whoever eats the Christian’s bread strikes with his sword.
- Meaning and lesson
Receiving kindness or material benefit from a people creates an expectation that one will stand with them. The saying presents this obligation through the image of taking up arms in their defense when they face opposition.
It emphasizes repaying generosity with active support rather than turning away after accepting what others have given. The traditional wording specifically names Christians and should not be read as a claim about Christians or other religious groups.
- When it is used
Use it in serious discussion of loyalty toward people who have shown meaningful generosity or provided benefits. Its armed image and direct appeal to obligation can sound pressuring; avoid using it as casual thanks or in contentious intergroup discussion.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: A person who has benefited from another people’s generosity will fight on their side.