"the breast, chest, Lk. 18:13; 23:48; Jn. 13:25; 21:20; Rev. 15:6*"
Definition and meaning
the breast, chest, Lk. 18:13; 23:48; Jn. 13:25; 21:20; Rev. 15:6*
In the original Greek the word is written: στῆθος
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of stethos (G4738) across the King James Bible.
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
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Common questions
Strong's G4738 (stethos) is a Greek word that means: the breast, chest, Lk. 18:13; 23:48; Jn. 13:25; 21:20; Rev. 15:6* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word stethos (G4738) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4738 is stethos, a Greek word defined as: the breast, chest, Lk. 18:13; 23:48; Jn. 13:25; 21:20; Rev. 15:6*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
stethos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.