Topical Bible: Breasts

◄ Breasts ►

Jump to: Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, breasts are mentioned in various contexts, often symbolizing nourishment, beauty, and fertility. They are referenced in both literal and metaphorical senses, reflecting the cultural and theological significance attributed to them in biblical times.

Nourishment and Motherhood

Breasts are primarily associated with nourishment and motherhood. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the ability to nurse children was a vital aspect of a woman's role. This is reflected in passages such as Isaiah 66:11, which speaks of the comfort and satisfaction derived from a mother's breasts: "so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her glorious abundance." Here, breasts symbolize the nurturing and life-sustaining role of a mother, providing both physical sustenance and emotional comfort.

Symbol of Beauty and Love

Breasts are also depicted as symbols of beauty and love, particularly in the poetic and romantic literature of the Bible. The Song of Solomon, a book celebrating marital love, frequently mentions breasts in this context. For example, Song of Solomon 4:5 states, "Your breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle grazing among the lilies." This imagery highlights the beauty and allure of the beloved, using natural and pastoral metaphors to convey admiration and affection.

Fertility and Blessing

In biblical times, fertility was highly valued, and breasts were often seen as a symbol of a woman's ability to bear and nurture children. Genesis 49:25 speaks of blessings of the "breast and womb," linking the two as sources of life and prosperity. This connection underscores the importance of fertility and the continuation of family lineage in the biblical narrative.

Metaphorical Usage

Breasts are also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths or societal observations. In Ezekiel 23, the prophet uses the imagery of breasts to describe the unfaithfulness of Jerusalem and Samaria, portraying their idolatry and infidelity in stark terms. This metaphor serves to communicate the depth of their spiritual betrayal and the consequences of turning away from God.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The biblical references to breasts reflect broader cultural and theological themes, such as the sanctity of marriage, the importance of family, and the nurturing nature of God's love. In a patriarchal society, these references also highlight the roles and expectations placed upon women, both as mothers and as objects of beauty and desire.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of breasts encompasses a range of meanings, from the practical and physical to the symbolic and spiritual, illustrating their multifaceted significance in the biblical worldview.

Greek

2338. thelus -- female
... 2338 (from , "the breast") -- properly, a woman with nursing breasts ("one who gives
suck"); (figuratively) a mature female who exhibit "," glorifying God by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2338.htm - 6k

3149. mastos -- the breast
... breast, pap. Word Origin der. from a prim. root ma- Definition the breast
NASB Word Usage breasts (2), chest (1). pap. From the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3149.htm - 6k

4738. stethos -- the breast
... chest. Word Origin a prim. word Definition the breast NASB Word Usage bosom
(2), breast (1), breasts (1), chests (1). breast. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4738.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

7699a. shad -- (female) breast
... 7699, 7699a. shad. 7699b . (female) breast. Transliteration: shad Short
Definition: breasts. Word Origin from an unused word Definition ...
/hebrew/7699a.htm - 5k

7699b. shod -- (female) breast
... Word Origin from the same as shad Definition (female) breast NASB Word Usage breast
(2), breasts (1). 7699a, 7699b. shod. 7700 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/7699b.htm - 5k

5594. saphad -- to wail, lament
... A primitive root; properly, to tear the hair and beat the breasts (as Orientals
do in grief); generally to lament; by implication, to wail -- lament, mourn(-er ...
/hebrew/5594.htm - 6k

7015. qinah -- an elegy, dirge
... lamentation. From quwn; a dirge (as accompanied by beating the breasts or on
instruments) -- lamentation. see HEBREW quwn. 7014b, 7015. qinah. 7016 . ...
/hebrew/7015.htm - 6k

2373. chazeh -- breast (of animals)
... Definition: breast. Word Origin from an unused word Definition breast (of animals)
NASB Word Usage breast (11), breasts (2). breast. From ...
/hebrew/2373.htm - 6k

1717. dad -- breast, teat, nipple
... bosom. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition breast, teat, nipple NASB
Word Usage bosom (3), breasts (1). breast, teat. Apparently ...
/hebrew/1717.htm - 6k

3824. lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition inner man, mind, will, heart NASB Word
Usage anger (1), breasts (1), conscientious* (1), consider* (5), courage (1 ...
/hebrew/3824.htm - 6k

Library

For Thy Breasts are Better than Wine, and More Fragrant than the ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 1, 2. For thy breasts are better than wine, and
more fragrant than the choicest ointments. Thy breasts, O ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/1 2 for thy breasts.htm

I am a Wall, and My Breasts Like Towers; Then was I in his Eyes as ...
... CHAPTER VIII. 10. I am a wall, and my breasts like towers; then was I in
his eyes as one that found favor. The Spouse, in ecstasies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 i am a wall.htm

How Fair are Thy Breasts, My Sister Spouse! Thy Breasts are Fairer ...
... CHAPTER IV. 10. How fair are thy breasts, my sister Spouse! thy breasts are fairer
than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 how fair are thy.htm

Thy Two Breasts are Like Two Young Roes that are Twins.
... CHAPTER VII. 3. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.
It would be a small matter for the Spouse to bear children ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 thy two breasts are.htm

Thy Two Breasts are Like Two Young Roes that are Twins, Which ...
... CHAPTER IV. 5. Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which,
feed among the lilies. The Spouse here receives facility ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/5 thy two breasts are.htm

How by Holy Complacency we are Made as Little Infants at Our ...
... COMPLACENCY AND BENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER II. HOW BY HOLY COMPLACENCY WE ARE MADE
AS LITTLE INFANTS AT OUR SAVIOUR'S BREASTS. O God! how happy ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii how by holy.htm

The King Hath Brought Me into his Store-Chambers; we Will Exult ...
... CHAPTER I. 3. The King hath brought me into his store-chambers; we will exult and
be glad in thee, remembering thy breasts better than wine; the upright love ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/3 the king hath brought.htm

Verse 1. Who Will Give Thee to Me for a Brother, Sucking the ...
... CHAPTER VIII. VERSE 1. Who will give thee to me for a brother, sucking
the breasts of. my mother! that I might find thee without ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/verse 1 who will give.htm

A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide ...
... COMMENTARY. CHAPTER I. 12. A bundle of myrrh is my well-beloved unto me;
he shall abide between my breasts. When the Bride, or rather ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/12 a bundle of myrrh.htm

This Thy Stature is Like to a Palmtree, and Thy Breasts to ...
... CHAPTER VII. 7. This thy stature is like to a palmtree, and thy breasts to clusters
of grapes. ... Her breasts are beautifully likened to clusters of grapes. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/7 this thy stature is.htm

Thesaurus

Breasts (39 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Breasts (39 Occurrences). Matthew 11:17 "'We
have played the flute to you,' they say, 'and you have not ...
/b/breasts.htm - 18k

Nursed (13 Occurrences)
... said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and
said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed ...
/n/nursed.htm - 10k

Suck (22 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 60:16 You shall also suck the milk of the nations, and shall nurse from royal
breasts; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your ...
/s/suck.htm - 14k

Beating (31 Occurrences)
... Luke 8:52 The people were all weeping aloud and beating their breasts for her; but
He said, "Leave off wailing; for she is not dead, but asleep." (WEY YLT). ...
/b/beating.htm - 16k

Roe (21 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Proverbs 5:19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts
satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love. ...
/r/roe.htm - 15k

Breast (71 Occurrences)
... Figurative: "The breasts of virginity," pressed and bruised (Ezekiel 23:3, 8 the
King James Version), indicative of Ezekiel's belief that Israel practiced ...
/b/breast.htm - 31k

Whoredoms (34 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:3 And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in
their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats ...
/w/whoredoms.htm - 17k

Milk (66 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The ripe, undischarged spat of an oyster. 5. (vt) To draw or press milk
from the breasts or udder of, by the hand or mouth; to withdraw the milk of. ...
/m/milk.htm - 34k

Bruised (36 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:3 And they committed whoredoms in Egypt; they committed whoredoms in
their youth: there were their breasts pressed, and there they bruised the teats ...
/b/bruised.htm - 18k

Nourished (29 Occurrences)
... (WBS). Luke 23:29 For behold, the days are coming, in which they shall say, Blessed
are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts which never ...
/n/nourished.htm - 15k

Resources

Can a Christian woman consider getting breast implants / breast augmentation? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the Artemis mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about androgyny? | GotQuestions.org

Breasts: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Breasts (39 Occurrences)

Matthew 11:17
"'We have played the flute to you,' they say, 'and you have not danced: we have sung dirges, and you have not beaten your breasts.'
(WEY)

Luke 8:52
The people were all weeping aloud and beating their breasts for her; but He said, "Leave off wailing; for she is not dead, but asleep."
(WEY)

Luke 11:27
It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!"
(WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV)

Luke 23:27
A vast crowd of the people also followed Him, and of women who were beating their breasts and wailing for Him.
(WEY)

Luke 23:29
For behold, the days are coming in which they will say,'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'
(WEB WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 23:48
All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Peter 2:2
Be full of desire for the true milk of the word, as babies at their mothers' breasts, so that you may go on to salvation;
(BBE)

Revelation 1:13
and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle.
(ASV BBE DBY)

Revelation 15:6
The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT RSV)

Genesis 49:25
even by the God of your father, who will help you; by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Leviticus 9:20
and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar:
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Leviticus 9:21
and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron waved for a wave offering before Yahweh, as Moses commanded.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Job 3:12
Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck?
(KJV JPS BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Job 21:24
His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Psalms 22:9
But you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust at my mother's breasts.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Proverbs 5:19
A loving doe and a graceful deer- let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS NIV)

Song of Songs 1:13
My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh, that lies between my breasts.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 4:5
Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 7:3
Your two breasts are like two fawns, that are twins of a roe.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 7:7
This, your stature, is like a palm tree, your breasts like its fruit.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 7:8
I said, "I will climb up into the palm tree. I will take hold of its fruit." Let your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the smell of your breath like apples,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 8:1
Oh that you were like my brother, who sucked the breasts of my mother! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Song of Songs 8:8
We have a little sister. She has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister in the day when she is to be spoken for?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Song of Songs 8:10
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in his eyes like one who found peace.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 28:9
Whom will he teach knowledge? To whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Isaiah 32:12
Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 60:16
You shall also suck the milk of the nations, and shall nurse from royal breasts; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
(WEB NIV)

Isaiah 66:11
that you may nurse and be satisfied at the comforting breasts; that you may drink deeply, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory."
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Lamentations 4:3
Even the beasts of the waste land have full breasts, they give milk to their young ones: the daughter of my people has become cruel like the ostriches in the waste land.
(BBE NIV)

Ezekiel 16:7
I caused you to multiply as that which grows in the field, and you increased and grew great, and you attained to excellent ornament; your breasts were fashioned, and your hair was grown; yet you were naked and bare.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 23:3
and they played the prostitute in Egypt; they played the prostitute in their youth; there were their breasts pressed, and there was handled the bosom of their virginity.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 23:8
Neither left she her whoredoms brought from Egypt: for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their whoredom upon her.
(KJV JPS BBE DBY)

Ezekiel 23:21
Thus you called to memory the lewdness of your youth, in the handling of your bosom by the Egyptians for the breasts of your youth.
(WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 23:34
You shall even drink it and drain it out, and you shall gnaw the broken pieces of it, and shall tear your breasts; for I have spoken it, says the Lord Yahweh.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Daniel 2:32
This image! its head 'is' of good gold, its breasts and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass;
(YLT)

Hosea 2:2
Contend with your mother! Contend, for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband; and let her put away her prostitution from her face, and her adulteries from between her breasts;
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Hosea 9:14
Give them-Yahweh what will you give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Joel 2:16
Gather the people. Sanctify the assembly. Assemble the elders. Gather the children, and those who suck the breasts. Let the bridegroom go forth from his room, and the bride out of her chamber.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Nahum 2:7
It is decreed: she is uncovered, she is carried away; and her handmaids moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Breasts

Related Terms

Life-breath (1 Occurrence)

Breathe (17 Occurrences)

Breathing (25 Occurrences)

Nostrils (22 Occurrences)

Whisper (9 Occurrences)

Nose (23 Occurrences)

Ghost (123 Occurrences)

Gasp (5 Occurrences)

Expire (14 Occurrences)