Bible Dictionary
BREAST
The front part of the human body or the corresponding area of an animal. Scripture uses the breast literally, for sacrificial portions, nursing, affection, sorrow, and symbolic descriptions of nations.
Definition
The breast is the front part of the human body or the corresponding part of an animal. The term may also refer to a woman’s or animal’s breast, the chest or bosom, and portions of sacrificial animals.
Biblical Usage
Breasts appear literally in descriptions of nursing and affection, and in sacrificial regulations. Figuratively, Scripture uses them for Israel’s sinful attachments and anguish, and possibly for the humanity and wealth represented by the breast of the image in Daniel.
Historical Background
Different Hebrew terms distinguish the front of the body, the breast or pap, and the bosom or chest. The biblical references include both human and animal contexts.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>brest: Signifying the front view of the bust in humans and the corresponding portion of the body in animals. chazeh, occurs in Ex 29:26,27; Le 7:30,31,34; 8:29; 10:14,15; Nu 6:20; 18:18; and chadhi, in Da 2:32. shadh or shodh = "breast" in the sense of pap of a woman or animal (Job 24:9; So 8:1,8,10; Isa 60:16; La 4:3). Only one word occurs with this signification in the New Testament: stethos = "bosom," "chest" (Lu 18:13; 23:48; Joh 13:25; 21:20).</p><p>See WAVE OFFERING.</p><p>Figurative: "The breasts of virginity," pressed and bruised (Eze 23:3,8 the King James Version), indicative of Ezekiel's belief that Israel practiced idolatry in Egypt (compare Eze 20:8). "To tear (pluck off) thy breasts" (Eze 23:34) denotes the anguish of the people in parting with their beloved sin (compare Ho 2:2). "Its breast of silver" (Da 2:32) is possibly expressive of the humanity and wealth of the Medo-Persian empire.</p><p>Frank E. Hirsch</p>