The meaning of Breast in the Bible
(From International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
brest: 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, Leviticus 7:34; 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; Song of Solomon 8:1, Song of Solomon 8:8, Song of Solomon 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).
See WAVE OFFERING.
Figurative: "The breasts of virginity," pressed and bruised (Ezekiel 23:3, Ezekiel 23:8 the King James Version), indicative of Ezekiel's belief that Israel practiced idolatry in Egypt (compare Ezekiel 20:8). "To tear (pluck off) thy breasts" (Ezekiel 23:34) denotes the anguish of the people in parting with their beloved sin (compare Hosea 2:2). "Its breast of silver" (Daniel 2:32) is possibly expressive of the humanity and wealth of the Medo-Persian empire.
Frank E. Hirsch
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
