Brief Overview of στῆθος (Strong’s G4738: stēthos)

Strong’s G4738: A neuter noun meaning “breast, chest,” particularly significant in contexts of emotional expression and symbolic physical gestures. In New Testament usage, it appears in scenes of deep spiritual significance, including the tax collector’s prayer and John’s position at the Last Supper.

U- Unveiling the Word

στῆθος represents both physical anatomy and profound spiritual expression. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts where beating the breast signifies deep repentance (the tax collector) and where reclining on the breast indicates intimate fellowship (John with Jesus). Early church fathers saw in these usages both the place of genuine contrition and spiritual intimacy with Christ. Today, it continues to symbolize both authentic repentance and close communion with the Lord.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στῆθος, stēthos, STAY-thos
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stay) + ay (as in hay) + thos (as in those)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• Ancient root word possibly related to standing/firmness
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form
• Basic anatomical term

D – Defining Meanings

• Breast, chest
• Seat of emotions
• Place of beating in mourning
• Symbol of intimacy

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Breast” – traditional translation
• “Chest” – anatomical emphasis
• “Bosom” – intimate context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόλπος (kolpos) [KOL-pos] – bosom, lap – See G2859
• καρδία (kardia) [kar-DEE-ah] – heart – See G2588
• μαστός (mastos) [mas-TOS] – breast – See G3149

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στῆθος (breast)
• Genitive plural: στηθῶν (of breasts)
• Dative singular: στήθει (on/at the breast)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes emotional contexts. Thayer’s notes both literal and symbolic usage. LSJ documents anatomical meaning. Vine’s highlights spiritual significance. Strong’s connects to emotional expression. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show medical contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 18:13: “And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast [στῆθος], saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!'”

Additional References:
Luke 23:48, John 13:25, John 21:20, Revelation 15:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στῆθος reveals both our need for repentance and our invitation to intimacy with Christ. It proclaims the good news that genuine contrition leads to close fellowship with the Messiah. This word teaches us that authentic spirituality involves both honest self-examination and intimate communion with Jesus.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient mourning rituals often involved beating the breast
• The position at Jesus’ breast indicated special favor
• Medical texts used this term for diagnosing conditions

Strong’s G4738: A neuter noun meaning “breast, chest,” particularly significant in contexts of emotional expression and symbolic physical gestures. In New Testament usage, it appears in scenes of deep spiritual significance, including the tax collector’s prayer and John’s position at the Last Supper.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: breast, repentance, intimacy, last-supper, mourning, tax-collector, John-beloved, physical-gestures, emotional-expression, prayer, grief, communion-with-Christ, spiritual-intimacy, anatomical-terms, worship-gestures​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​