Lexical Summary stéthos: Breast, chest Original Word: στῆθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance breast. From histemi (as standing prominently); the (entire external) bosom, i.e. Chest -- breast. see GREEK histemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the breast NASB Translation bosom (2), breast (1), breasts (1), chests (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4738: στῆθοςστῆθος, στήθους, τό (from ἵστημι; that which stands out, is prominent (Etym. Magn. 727, 19 διότι ἕστηκεν ἀσάλευτον)), from Homer down, the breast: John 13:25; John 21:20 (cf. κόλπος, 1); Revelation 15:6. τύπτειν εἰς τό στῆθος or τύπτειν τό στῆθος, of mourners (see κόπτω), Luke 18:13; Luke 23:48. Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament UsageThe noun translated “breast” or “chest” appears five times in the Greek New Testament. Two occurrences describe human emotion expressed through striking the chest (Luke 18:13; Luke 23:48). Two spotlight the place of closest personal fellowship with the incarnate Son (John 13:25; John 21:20). One depicts angelic purity and readiness for judgment (Revelation 15:6). Each context sheds light on the heart-level realities of repentance, intimacy, and holiness. Gesture of Contrition and Mourning 1. Luke 18:13 – The tax collector, “standing at a distance, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’” In both passages the act of striking the chest conveys profound inner sorrow. Within Jewish culture, the breast was viewed as the seat of thought and emotion; striking it symbolized remorse springing from the heart. The publican’s heartfelt plea becomes Jesus’ model of saving repentance (Luke 18:14), while the crowds’ reaction at Calvary reveals conscience awakened by the sight of the righteous Sufferer. Place of Intimate Fellowship with Christ 1. John 13:25 – “Leaning back against Jesus’ chest, he asked, ‘Lord, who is it?’” The beloved disciple’s position communicates privileged nearness to the Lord, allowing him to hear His heart both literally and figuratively. The physical closeness during the Last Supper anticipates the spiritual communion all believers enjoy through union with Christ (John 14:20). The recollection in John 21 underscores the reliability of the eyewitness testimony that follows (John 21:24). Symbol of Angelic Purity and Readiness Revelation 15:6 – “Out of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues, dressed in clean, bright linen and girded with golden sashes around their chests.” The golden sashes across angelic chests echo priestly attire (Exodus 28:4) and highlight moral purity and royal authority. Positioned at the breast, the sash signifies wholehearted devotion to executing God’s righteous judgments. The imagery contrasts sharply with human contrition in Luke; here the breast is a platform for divine holiness rather than human guilt. Theological and Ministry Implications Repentance: Physical expressions can—and often should—mirror heart realities. Gospel preaching may call hearers not merely to intellectual assent but to deep-seated contrition like the publican’s. Pastoral Care: John’s example invites Christians to cultivate closeness with Christ. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and participation in the Lord’s Supper foster this relational nearness. Eschatology: Revelation’s vision reminds the church that judgment proceeds from the unwavering purity of heaven. Believers can trust that final wrath is administered from a heart perfectly aligned with divine holiness. Historical Background In Second Temple Judaism and Greco-Roman society, the chest signified the locus of emotion and will. Striking the breast appears in contemporary literature as a gesture of grief or repentance. Reclining on another’s chest during meals reflected deep friendship, a social dynamic present at first-century banquets. The New Testament authors employ these cultural symbols to convey spiritual truths without contradiction, affirming the consistency of Scripture. Summary Across its five New Testament occurrences, the term points to the inner life—sorrow over sin, affectionate communion with the Savior, and the pure resolve of heaven’s messengers. The varied settings form a coherent biblical testimony: true righteousness flows from the heart, whether in penitential tears, loving fellowship, or holy judgment. Forms and Transliterations στήθει στήθεων στηθη στήθη στηθος στήθος στῆθος στήθους στηθύνια στηθύνιον στηθυνίου stethe stēthē stḗthe stḗthē stethos stêthos stēthos stē̂thosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 18:13 N-ANSGRK: ἔτυπτεν τὸ στῆθος αὐτοῦ λέγων NAS: but was beating his breast, saying, KJV: upon his breast, saying, God INT: was striking the breast of himself saying Luke 23:48 N-ANP John 13:25 N-ANS John 21:20 N-ANS Revelation 15:6 N-ANP Strong's Greek 4738 |