Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "paps" refers to the breasts or the chest area, often used in a figurative or symbolic sense within the Scriptures. The word "paps" appears in the context of both the Old and New Testaments, carrying various connotations depending on the passage.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "paps" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the concept of the breast is often associated with nourishment and maternal care. For instance, in
Isaiah 66:11, the imagery of a mother nursing her child is used to describe the comfort and abundance that God provides to His people: "so that you may nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you may drink deeply and delight in her glorious abundance."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the term "paps" is notably used in the Book of Revelation.
Revelation 1:13 describes a vision of the glorified Christ: "and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest." The term "paps" here is translated as "chest" in the Berean Standard Bible, indicating the area where the golden sash is worn. This imagery emphasizes the majesty and priestly role of Christ, as the sash is reminiscent of the attire worn by the high priests in the Old Testament.
Symbolic MeaningThe use of "paps" in Scripture often carries a deeper symbolic meaning. In Revelation, the description of Christ with a golden sash around His chest signifies His authority, purity, and the eternal priesthood. The chest, or "paps," being adorned with gold, highlights the divine nature and the exalted status of Christ as the eternal High Priest who intercedes for His people.
Cultural and Theological InsightsIn biblical times, the breast was seen as a source of life and sustenance, reflecting the nurturing aspect of God's character. The imagery of the breast or chest in Scripture can also symbolize strength, protection, and the intimate relationship between God and His people. The nurturing aspect is seen in the way God cares for and sustains His creation, while the protective aspect is evident in His role as a refuge and fortress for those who trust in Him.
Theologically, the reference to "paps" in the context of Christ's glorified appearance in Revelation serves to remind believers of His ongoing priestly ministry and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The golden sash signifies His righteousness and the eternal nature of His priesthood, offering assurance to believers of His unchanging and ever-present intercession on their behalf.
ConclusionThe term "paps," though not frequently used, carries significant symbolic weight in the biblical narrative. Whether reflecting God's nurturing care or the exalted priesthood of Christ, it serves as a reminder of the intimate and sustaining relationship between the Creator and His creation.
Library
From the First Chapter.
... "And He was girt about thepaps with a golden girdle."] Hispaps are the two testaments,
and the golden girdle is the choir of saints, as gold tried in the fire...
Matt. xii. 46-49.
... Therefore in another place also, when some woman had said, "Blessed is the womb
that bare Thee, and thepaps which Thou hast sucked;" He said not, "The womb...
From St. Luke's Eleventh ChapterOther Evidence that Christ Comes...
... [4570] "A (certain) mother of the company exclaims, Blessed is the womb that bare
Thee, and thepaps which Thou hast sucked;' but the Lord said, Yea, rather...
The Christ Child (Christmas Day. )
... And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed
with a garment down to the foot, and girt about thepaps with a golden girdle....
The Angels of the Seven Churches.
... candlesticks, and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of
Man clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about thepaps with a...
The Blessedness of Obeying God's Word.
... This woman came to the young man and with that mother in her heart said to him,
"Blessed is the womb that bear thee, and thepaps which thou hast sucked." It...
Christ was Truly Born; Marcion's Absurd Cavil in Defence of a...
... For a certain woman had exclaimed, "Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the
paps which Thou hast sucked!" [3237] And how else could they have said that His...
That after He had Risen Again He Should Receive from his Father...
... candlesticks, and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto the Son of man,
clothed with a long garment, [4099] and He was girt about thepaps with a...
Synoptical Table
... 29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the
barren, and the wombs that never bare, and thepaps which never gave suck....
Identity of Christ's Character.
... as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and
said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and thepaps which thou...
Thesaurus
Paps (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Paps (4 Occurrences). Luke 11:27 And it came
to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the
...Bare (250 Occurrences)
... as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and
said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and thepaps which thou...
Suck (22 Occurrences)
... as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and
said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and thepaps which thou...
Paphos (2 Occurrences)
Nourished (29 Occurrences)
... speaking these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said
to him, Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and thepaps which nourished...
Lifting (157 Occurrences)
... as he spake these things, a certain woman, lifting up her voice out of the crowd,
said to him, Blessed is the womb that has borne thee, and thepaps which thou...
Girt (13 Occurrences)
... 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed
with a garment down to the foot, and girt about thepaps with a golden...
Teats (3 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY). Ezekiel 23:21 Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth,
in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for thepaps of thy youth....
Borne (172 Occurrences)
... as he spake these things, a certain woman, lifting up her voice out of the crowd,
said to him, Blessed is the womb that has borne thee, and thepaps which thou...
Bruising (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV). Ezekiel 23:21 Thus thou calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy
youth, in bruising thy teats by the Egyptians for thepaps of thy youth....
Resources
What are the seven candlesticks / lampstands of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
