Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "breast" is used both literally and metaphorically, appearing in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The breast is often associated with nourishment, comfort, and intimacy, as well as with strength and protection.Literal Usage 1. Nourishment and Motherhood: The breast is frequently mentioned in the context of motherhood and nursing. In Genesis 49:25, Jacob blesses Joseph with "blessings of the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below, and blessings of the breasts and womb." This highlights the breast as a source of life and sustenance, emphasizing the nurturing role of mothers. 2. Levitical Offerings: In the Levitical laws, the breast of sacrificial animals held significance. Leviticus 7:31 states, "The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons." The breast of the peace offering was given to the priests as their portion, symbolizing provision and sustenance for those who serve in the temple. Metaphorical Usage 1. Intimacy and Affection: The breast is often used metaphorically to describe intimate relationships. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved's breasts are praised as symbols of beauty and love (Song of Solomon 4:5). This poetic imagery underscores the deep affection and closeness between the lovers. 2. Comfort and Security: The breast is also a symbol of comfort and security. Isaiah 66:11-13 uses the imagery of a nursing mother to describe God's comforting care for His people: "For you will nurse and be carried on her arm and bounced upon her knees. As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you." This passage illustrates the tender and nurturing nature of God's relationship with His people. 3. Strength and Valor: In some instances, the breast is associated with strength and valor. The "breastplate" worn by soldiers, as described in Ephesians 6:14, symbolizes righteousness and protection in spiritual warfare: "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed." Cultural and Theological Significance In biblical times, the breast was not only a physical attribute but also carried cultural and theological significance. It represented the nurturing aspect of God's creation, the provision for His people, and the intimate relationships He designed. The breast, as a source of life and comfort, reflects the divine care and sustenance that God provides to His children. Theologically, the breast can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and care, as well as the intimate relationship He desires with His people. It serves as a reminder of the nurturing and protective aspects of God's character, as well as the strength and righteousness He imparts to believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The fore part of the body, between the neck and the belly; the chest; as, the breast of a man or of a horse.2. (n.) Either one of the protuberant glands, situated on the front of the chest or thorax in the female of man and of some other mammalia, in which milk is secreted for the nourishment of the young; a mamma; a teat. 3. (n.) Anything resembling the human breast, or bosom; the front or forward part of anything; as, a chimney breast; a plow breast; the breast of a hill. 4. (n.) The face of a coal working. 5. (n.) The front of a furnace. 6. (n.) The seat of consciousness; the repository of thought and self-consciousness, or of secrets; the seat of the affections and passions; the heart. 7. (n.) The power of singing; a musical voice; -- so called, probably, from the connection of the voice with the lungs, which lie within the breast. 8. (v. t.) To meet, with the breast; to struggle with or oppose manfully; as, to breast the storm or waves. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BREASTbrest: Signifying the front view of the bust in humans and the corresponding portion of the body in animals. chazeh, occurs in Exodus 29:26, 27 Leviticus 7:30, 31, 34; Leviticus 8:29; Leviticus 10:14, 15 Numbers 6:20; Numbers 18:18; and chadhi, in Daniel 2:32. shadh or shodh = "breast" in the sense of pap of a woman or animal (Job 24:9 Songs 8:1, 8, 10 Isaiah 60:16 Lamentations 4:3). Only one word occurs with this signification in the New Testament: stethos = "bosom," "chest" (Luke 18:13; Luke 23:48 John 13:25; John 21:20). Greek 4738. stethos -- the breast ... the breast. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: stethos Phonetic Spelling: (stay'-thos) Short Definition: the breast Definition: the breast, chest. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4738.htm - 6k 3149. mastos -- the breast 2870. kopetos -- a beating of the head and breast 2382. thorax -- a breastplate 2875. kopto -- to cut (off), strike, by ext. to mourn 2859. kolpos -- the bosom 2338. thelus -- female 377. anapipto -- to fall back Strong's Hebrew 2373. chazeh -- breast (of animals)... 2372, 2373. chazeh. 2374 . breast (of animals). Transliteration: chazeh Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-zeh') Short Definition: breast. ... /hebrew/2373.htm - 6k 2306. chadi -- breast 1717. dad -- breast, teat, nipple 7699. shad -- (female) breast 7699b. shod -- (female) breast 7699a. shad -- (female) breast 5845. atin -- probably a pail, bucket 3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart 2123. ziyz -- moving things (ie beasts) 5458. segor -- an enclosure, encasement Library Of the Symbol of the Breast, and of the Shameful Mysteries of the ... Septuagesima 112. Breast the Wave, Christian November 20. "The Disciple whom Jesus Loved Leaned on his Breast" ... How Love Effects the Union of the Soul with God in Prayer. Psalm CXXXI. On the Same Words, John i. "In the Beginning was the Word," Etc. An Explanation of what Has Been Said Touching the Decease of Our ... Of the Repose of a Soul Recollected in Her Well-Beloved. Of those who Gossip, and of Silence. 'Is it I?' Thesaurus Breast (71 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The fore part of the body, between the neck and the belly; the chest; as, the breast of a man or of a horse. ... /b/breast.htm - 31k Breast-plate (22 Occurrences) Wave-breast (3 Occurrences) Breast-pieces (2 Occurrences) Breast-plates (2 Occurrences) Waved (29 Occurrences) Bosom (47 Occurrences) Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Baby (23 Occurrences) Babies (16 Occurrences) Resources Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about breastfeeding? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a Christian having plastic / cosmetic surgery? | GotQuestions.org Breast: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Breast (71 Occurrences)Matthew 11:17 Matthew 21:16 Matthew 24:19 Matthew 24:30 Mark 13:17 Luke 16:22 Luke 16:23 Luke 18:13 Luke 21:23 John 1:18 John 13:23 John 13:25 John 21:20 Revelation 1:13 Revelation 13:15 Genesis 21:7 Genesis 21:8 Genesis 49:25 Exodus 2:7 Exodus 2:9 Exodus 29:26 Exodus 29:27 Leviticus 7:30 Leviticus 7:31 Leviticus 7:34 Leviticus 8:29 Leviticus 10:14 Leviticus 10:15 Numbers 6:20 Numbers 11:12 Numbers 18:18 Deuteronomy 32:25 1 Samuel 1:22 1 Samuel 1:23 1 Samuel 15:3 1 Samuel 22:19 1 Kings 3:20 1 Kings 3:21 Job 3:12 Job 24:9 Job 31:33 Job 32:18 Job 32:19 Psalms 8:2 Psalms 22:9 Psalms 22:14 Psalms 39:3 Psalms 79:12 Psalms 131:2 Proverbs 6:27 Song of Songs 8:1 Isaiah 11:5 Isaiah 11:8 Isaiah 28:9 Isaiah 40:11 Isaiah 49:15 Isaiah 60:16 Isaiah 65:7 Isaiah 66:11 Jeremiah 31:19 Jeremiah 44:7 Lamentations 2:11 Lamentations 2:12 Lamentations 4:3 Lamentations 4:4 Ezekiel 21:12 Daniel 2:32 Hosea 1:8 Hosea 13:8 Joel 2:16 Micah 7:5 Subtopics Related Terms Wave-offering (22 Occurrences) Fire-offerings (18 Occurrences) Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) |