Lexical Summary mastos: Breast Original Word: μαστός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pap. From the base of massaomai; a (properly, female) breast (as if kneaded up) -- pap. see GREEK massaomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originder. from a prim. root ma- Definition the breast NASB Translation breasts (2), chest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3149: μαζόςμαζός, μαζου, ὁ, the breast: of a man, Revelation 1:13 Lachmann ((see μαστός). From Homer down.) STRONGS NT 3149: μασθόςμασθός, Doric for μαστός (which see): Revelation 1:13 Tdf. (this form seems to be Western (Hort, Appendix, p. 149)). STRONGS NT 3149: μαστόςμαστός, μαστοῦ, ὁ (μάσσω to knead (more probably akin to μαδάω, Latinmadidus, etc.; cf. Vanicek, p. 693; Curtius, § 456)), from Sophocles, Herodotus down; the breast (for שַׁד, Job 3:12; Song of Solomon 1:13, etc.); plural, the breasts (nipples) of a man, Revelation 1:13 R G Tr WH (here Tdf. μασθοις (cf. WH's Appendix, p. 149a), Lachmann μαζοις); breasts of a woman, Luke 11:27; Luke 23:29. The Greek term translated “breasts” or “chest” serves both literal and figurative purposes in Scripture. Literally it denotes the part of the body that provides maternal nourishment; figuratively it can describe the seat of compassion, blessing, or even priestly dignity. Its three New Testament appearances highlight these nuances within very different settings: an exclamation of maternal honor (Luke 11:27), a prophetic warning of judgment (Luke 23:29), and the exalted portrayal of the risen Christ (Revelation 1:13). Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 11:27 – A woman in the crowd honors Jesus by praising the motherly breasts that nursed Him. The focus is on maternal blessing and the privilege of nurturing the Messiah. “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts at which You nursed!” 2. Luke 23:29 – Jesus foretells days of such severe distress that the normal blessing of motherhood will seem undesirable. The same bodily image that signified blessing in Luke 11 now underscores impending judgment. “Behold, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed!’” 3. Revelation 1:13 – John sees the glorified Son of Man clad in a robe and girded with a golden sash “across His chest,” a priest-like image that conveys dignity, authority, and compassionate oversight of His people. “…dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash across His chest.” Old Testament and Intertestamental Background The Septuagint often uses the same term to translate Hebrew words for breasts (for example Genesis 49:25; Song of Songs 1:13). These contexts stress fruitfulness, nurturing love, and covenantal blessing. In later Jewish writings, the breast could symbolize both maternal care and God’s provision, setting a conceptual background that carries into the New Testament. Themes of Blessing and Nourishment In Scripture, the breast is closely linked with life-giving sustenance. The blessing pronounced in Luke 11:27 echoes ancient promises of fertility (Genesis 49:25) and suggests that true blessedness lies in any relationship with Christ—whether the physical nurture Mary supplied or the spiritual nurture all believers receive (compare Luke 11:28). Warning and Judgment Luke 23:29 turns the image on its head. In prophesying Jerusalem’s fall, Jesus reveals that societal collapse can reverse normal categories of blessing. The breast, ordinarily a sign of hope for future generations, becomes a reminder that sin and rebellion against God rob even motherhood of its joy. The Exalted High Priest Revelation 1:13 employs the term in a masculine context, describing the risen Lord’s “golden sash across His chest.” Ancient high priests wore a sash around the torso when ministering (Exodus 28:4). John’s vision therefore presents Jesus as the ultimate Priest-King, compassionate toward His flock yet clothed with undiminished authority. The word, previously confined to maternal imagery, now reveals the fullness of Christ’s mediatorial role: He both nurtures and rules His people. Theological Significance 1. Nurture and Provision – God uses tangible human experiences, such as nursing, to illustrate His own sustaining grace (Isaiah 66:11-13). Practical Ministry Reflections • Honor of Motherhood – Luke 11:27 affirms the dignity of motherhood and the spiritual significance of nurturing children in the knowledge of Christ. Summary The three New Testament uses of this Greek term trace a movement from maternal blessing, through prophetic lament, to priestly glory. Together they remind readers that God designs every aspect of human experience—including the most intimate bodily realities—to point to deeper spiritual truths: the nurture found in Christ, the consequences of rejecting Him, and the everlasting care He extends as our exalted Priest-King. Englishman's Concordance Luke 11:27 N-NMPGRK: σε καὶ μαστοὶ οὓς ἐθήλασας NAS: that bore You and the breasts at which KJV: and the paps which INT: you and [the] breasts at which you nursed Luke 23:29 N-NMP Revelation 1:13 N-DMP Strong's Greek 3149 |
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