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στῆθος

stēthos

G4738 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The breast or chest, particularly the front part of the human torso between the neck and the abdomen. In Greek usage, refers primarily to the area encompassing the chest or bosom, extending in meaning to the seat of emotion, affection, or nurturing, as in resting on someone's chest or bosom. May also be used more generally for the chest of both humans and animals. In literary and metaphorical contexts, can denote the innermost feelings or affections.

Semantic Range

chest, breast (of humans or animals), bosom, seat of feelings or affections, front of the torso, anatomical chest

Root / Etymology

From the root στᾶ- or the verb ἵστημι ('to stand'), reflecting the chest as a prominent or forward-standing part of the body. The derivation is ancient and common in Indo-European languages, but the precise morphological relationship is debated. Cognate with Latin 'sterno' and possible Indo-European roots for 'extend' or 'stretch'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In earlier Greek (Homeric and Classical), στῆθος could occur more frequently in the plural (στήθη) and refer to the chest or breast of both men and women, human or animal. In lyric poetry or drama, it often evokes the seat of emotion, pain, joy, or desire. In medical writers, refers anatomically to the thoracic region. In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., John 13:23), στῆθος is used literally for the chest or bosom, as in reclining at someone's breast, and metaphorically for closeness, affection, or intimate association. English translations as 'breast' or 'bosom' are accurate for many New Testament and Septuagint contexts, but 'bosom' in English has a more overtly sentimental sense than in Koine Greek. Notably, 'στῆθος' should not be confused with other anatomical terms, such as μαστός (specifically denoting the female breast or nipple). From Homer to the Koine period, the core imagery of στῆθος remained consistent, though physiological and emotional connotations may shift in literary traditions.

Translation Consistency

primary "chest" 5 occurrences

"Chest" is the most natural, neutral English term covering the physical front torso for humans and animals and can sensibly carry the figurative sense of "bosom" or seat of feelings. It matches the majority existing renderings and is preferable to more literary "bosom" or gendered "breast." Using the singular base form ensures consistent inflection for all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἵστημι (as standing prominently); the (entire external) bosom, i.e. chest:--breast.

Root Family

στῆθος (stēthos) — chest, breast, bosom

Root στῆθ- chest, breast, bosom

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4738-02 στῆθος stethos N ACC N SG breast the chest chest 3
G4738-01 στήθη stethe N ACC N PL breasts chests chests 2

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4738-02 Luke 18:13 στῆθος stethos N ACC N SG breast the chest chest
G4738-01 Luke 23:48 στήθη stethe N ACC N PL breasts chests chests
G4738-02 John 13:25 στῆθος stethos N ACC N SG breast the chest chest
G4738-02 John 21:20 στῆθος stethos N ACC N SG breast the chest chest
G4738-01 Revelation 15:6 στήθη stethe N ACC N PL breasts chests chests
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