Many commentators suggest that three loaves were the standard amount of bread for a meal, but this may not be so. One of the larger loaves is usually much more than one person would eat in a meal. In the Middle East bread is not baked every day. The village women cooperate in baking the bread, and it would likely be known who has baked recently. It is possible that there is still bread left in the host's house, but the host cannot offer the guest a broken loaf.
Bread is a significant part of the meal, and it is essential in eating the rest of the meal.
A piece of bread is broken from the loaf, dipped into the common dish, and then eaten. Another aspect of village life involves guests. If a guest would come in the middle of the night, eastern hospitality says to welcome them in and give them something to eat. It was considered common courtesy, possibly similar to shaking one's hand when you are introduced. When asked for bread, the man inside the house quickly responds with excuses.