Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BREAST

The word “breast” in the OT and NT is most commonly used in its anatomical, literal sense for both animals and humankind. In Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, the breasts of animals such as rams are used as wave offerings before the Lord (e.g., Lev. 8:29). The breast is a place for the sucking (Job 3:12), weaning (Isa. 28:9), safety (Ps. 2:9[MT 10]), and quieting (131:2) of a child. Sexual and sensual arousal comes from the breasts as objects of desire (Cant. 4:5; Ezek. 23:3; Hos. 2:2). The breasts are recipients of beating and tearing as in great desolation (Ezek. 23:34) or remorse (Luke 18:13).

Although the nursing breasts are usually depicted as female breasts or those of female animals, twice they are utilized metaphorically: the nursing breasts of kings (Isa. 60:16) and Jerusalem’s consoling breasts (66:11). While full breasts are a blessing and indicate ripe maidenhood, dry breasts are a curse (Hos. 9:14).

Nearness to the breast of Jesus signifies a place of honor for the disciples (John 13:23 RSV). Whereas the word “bosom” is used more often in a figurative sense, “breast” is more commonly found in Scripture in its literal usage.

Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

BREAST

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)