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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in the context of biblical studies offers deeper insights into the nuances of the original text. The Greek word μαστός (mastós), which appears in the New Testament, is particularly significant for its literal and symbolic meanings. Found in Luke 11:27, μαστός refers to a woman’s breast, often highlighting themes of nurturing and maternal care. Its use in Scripture provides a window into understanding both physical attributes and metaphorical implications within the ancient Greek and biblical world.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μαστός (mastós) [mas-TOS]
Pronounced [mas-TOS], the emphasis is on the second syllable.

Etymology: The word μαστός likely derives from an Indo-European root meaning “to suck” or “nurse,” related to similar terms in other ancient languages. This root highlights the biological and nurturing functions associated with the word, linking it to concepts of motherhood and caregiving.

Part of Speech: Noun. As a noun, μαστός refers to a woman’s breast, particularly in contexts that emphasize breastfeeding or nurturing. In both ancient Greek literature and biblical texts, it carries connotations of nourishment and life-giving care, often extending to metaphorical uses involving emotional and spiritual sustenance.

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Defining Meanings

1. Breast of a Woman: The primary meaning of μαστός is the physical breast of a woman. It is used in this sense in contexts that highlight the nurturing role of a mother or the physical characteristics of a woman.
2. Symbol of Nurture and Care: In many cultures, including the Greek and Jewish traditions, the breast symbolizes more than just a physical attribute. It represents nurturing, care, and sustenance, whether in a literal or spiritual sense. This symbolic use is present in both classical literature and religious texts.
3. Metaphorical Use in Scripture: In the New Testament, the word is sometimes used metaphorically to convey blessings or emphasize spiritual nourishment, such as in Luke 11:27, where a woman exclaims the blessedness of the mother who nursed Jesus.

Exploring Similar Words

1. στῆθος (stēthos) [STAY-thos]: Refers to the chest or breast area, used in a broader sense than μαστός. It can indicate the physical chest of both men and women, as well as the emotional center (heart).
2. γάλα (gala) [GA-la]: Meaning “milk,” this word is closely associated with μαστός as it refers to the nourishment provided by the breast. It appears in contexts of both literal nourishment and metaphorical teachings, such as in 1 Peter 2:2.
3. τροφή (trophē) [tro-FAY]: Meaning “food” or “nourishment,” this word is more general than μαστός but still connects to the idea of providing sustenance and care, especially in spiritual or educational contexts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, μαστός follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Here is its declension in the singular and plural forms:

This table demonstrates the variations in case endings, crucial for understanding its grammatical function in different contexts.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons provide a rich array of insights into the word μαστός. BDAG notes its primary use as “breast” and emphasizes its role in nurturing. Thayer’s Lexicon highlights its frequent appearance in classical texts, where it often symbolizes nourishment and care. LSJ points out its usage in medical and literary contexts, linking it to physical descriptions of the body. In biblical usage, the term appears in contexts that reflect both physical and spiritual motherhood, as seen in Luke 11:27 and Luke 23:29, where it carries connotations of both blessing and sorrow. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 11:27: “As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, ‘Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you [μαστός]!’”
2. Luke 23:29: “For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore and the breasts [μαστοί] that never nursed.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word μαστός encapsulates both physical and metaphorical aspects of nourishment and care in ancient Greek and biblical contexts. Its usage in the New Testament and classical literature highlights its significance in discussions of motherhood, blessing, and nurturing care. Whether referring to the physical act of breastfeeding or symbolizing spiritual nourishment, μαστός provides a rich tapestry of meanings that enhance our understanding of both cultural and theological themes.

Did You Know?

1. The word μαστός appears in several Greek medical texts, where it is used to describe the anatomy of the female breast, reflecting the detailed knowledge of ancient Greek physicians.
2. In the Septuagint, μαστός is used metaphorically to describe Jerusalem as a nurturing mother, emphasizing the city’s role in providing spiritual nourishment to its inhabitants.
3. The use of μαστός in classical Greek literature often highlights ideals of beauty and femininity, showing how physical attributes were celebrated in various cultural contexts.