Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "pap" refers to the breast or the milk-producing organ of a woman. It is a term that appears in various translations of the Bible, often used in a metaphorical or literal sense to describe nourishment, care, or the intimate bond between a mother and her child. The concept of the "pap" is deeply rooted in the cultural and familial structures of ancient times, where the nurturing role of the mother was paramount.Biblical References: 1. Luke 11:27 : "As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, 'Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!'" In this passage, the term "breasts" is synonymous with "pap," highlighting the blessedness of Mary, the mother of Jesus, for her role in nurturing the Savior. This verse underscores the honor and reverence given to motherhood and the physical act of nurturing through breastfeeding. 2. Lamentations 4:3 : "Even jackals offer the breast to nurse their young, but the daughter of my people has become cruel, like ostriches in the wilderness." Here, the imagery of the "breast" or "pap" is used to contrast the natural, nurturing instincts of animals with the unnatural cruelty observed among the people of Jerusalem during the siege. The passage uses the concept of the "pap" to emphasize the expected care and compassion that should be present in human relationships, especially in times of distress. Theological Significance: The use of "pap" in the Bible often carries a deeper theological significance, symbolizing God's provision and care for His people. Just as a mother provides sustenance and comfort to her child, so does God provide for His children. This metaphor is seen throughout Scripture, where God is depicted as a nurturing figure, offering spiritual nourishment and protection. In the New Testament, the nurturing aspect of the "pap" can also be seen as a reflection of the spiritual nourishment provided by the teachings of Christ and the apostles. Believers are encouraged to desire the "pure milk of the word" (1 Peter 2:2), drawing a parallel between physical and spiritual sustenance. Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the role of the mother and the act of breastfeeding were highly esteemed. The "pap" was not only a source of physical nourishment but also a symbol of the intimate bond between mother and child. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the imagery of the "pap" is used to convey themes of care, protection, and blessing. The reverence for motherhood and the nurturing role of women is evident in various biblical narratives, where women are often depicted as central figures in the upbringing and spiritual formation of their children. The "pap" serves as a powerful symbol of this vital role, emphasizing the importance of maternal influence in the faith and development of future generations. Conclusion: While the term "pap" may appear infrequently in modern translations, its presence in the biblical text carries significant weight, both culturally and theologically. It serves as a reminder of the nurturing nature of God, the esteemed role of motherhood, and the importance of spiritual nourishment in the life of a believer. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A nipple; a mammilla; a teat.2. (n.) A rounded, nipplelike hill or peak; anything resembling a nipple in shape; a mamelon. 3. (n.) A soft food for infants, made of bread boiled or softened in milk or water. 4. (n.) Nourishment or support from official patronage; as, treasury pap. 5. (n.) The pulp of fruit. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PAP(shadh, shodh, "breast" (Ezekiel 23:21); mastos, "the breast" (Luke 11:27; Luke 23:29 Revelation 1:13)): The English word, which goes back to Middle English "pappe" (see Skeat, Concise Etymological Dictionary of the English Language, 327) and is now obsolete, has been replaced in the Revised Version (British and American) by "breast." The Hebrew word signifies the "female breast"; the Greek word has a wider signification, including the male chest. Greek 3149. mastos -- the breast ... the breast. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: mastos Phonetic Spelling: (mas-tos') Short Definition: a breast, pap Definition: the breast, pap. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3149.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 7699. shad -- (female) breast... breast, pap, teat Or shod {shode}; probably from shuwd (in its original sense) contracted; the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging) -- breast, pap, teat. ... /hebrew/7699.htm - 5k Library Concerning the Surnames of Jupiter, which are Referred not to Many ... Additional Notes. The Romans Provided Gods for Birth, Nay, Even Before Birth, to ... Appendix. The History of Saul Biographical and Historical Registrum Epistolarum. Concerning the Offices of Mercury and Mars. The Desire of a Lover after God is Shown: and the Cursed Love of ... Introduction. Thesaurus Pap... 4. (n.) Nourishment or support from official patronage; as, treasury pap. 5. (n.) The pulp of fruit. 6. (vt) To feed with pap. Int. ... /p/pap.htm - 7k Teat Paper (5 Occurrences) Dug (45 Occurrences) Pants (4 Occurrences) Breast (71 Occurrences) Number (2370 Occurrences) Table (125 Occurrences) Gift (148 Occurrences) Resources What does 2 Timothy 4:3 mean by itching ears? | GotQuestions.orgPap: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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