שַׁד

the breast of a woman or animal (as bulging)

Definition

The Hebrew noun שַׁד (shad) primarily refers to the breast, specifically the female breast as a source of nourishment and comfort. It is used literally for the physical breast of women (Song of Solomon 1:13, 4:5) and, by poetic extension, for the udder of nursing animals (Genesis 49:25). In a powerful metaphorical sense, it describes God's provision and sustenance, as seen in passages where God is described as the one who blesses with 'blessings of the breasts and womb' (Genesis 49:25) or as the one from whom the psalmist has depended since birth (Psalm 22:9). The word can also evoke vulnerability and deprivation when its nourishment is absent, as in Job's lament (Job 3:12).

Biblical Usage

שַׁד appears 24 times, predominantly in poetic and wisdom literature. Its literal usage is most frequent in the Song of Solomon, describing female beauty and intimacy (e.g., Song of Solomon 4:5, 7:3, 7:7). Its metaphorical usage is significant in passages about divine blessing and human dependence. In Genesis 49:25, it symbolizes God's life-giving provision. In Job, it highlights loss and despair (Job 3:12, 24:9). Psalm 22:9 uses it to express a lifelong trust in God formed from infancy.

Etymology

The word שַׁד (or the variant שֹׁד) is likely derived from the root שׁוּד (shud, H7736), which means 'to pour out' or 'to devastate.' The connection to 'pour out' likely gave rise to the sense of the breast as a source that pours forth milk. This etymological link between a destructive action and a nourishing body part creates a rich tension, though the primary developed meaning of שַׁד is firmly centered on nourishment and abundance.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it provides a tangible metaphor for God's nurturing, sustaining care. The imagery moves beyond abstract provision to depict God as a personal, life-giving source, akin to a nursing mother (though the term itself is not directly applied to God). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches readings of blessing (Genesis 49:25), lament (Job), and trust (Psalm 22), grounding God's relationship with His people in the fundamental human experience of receiving nourishment and comfort.

In the ancient Near East, the breast was a potent symbol of fertility, life, sustenance, and comfort. A mother's breast was the primary source of nourishment and survival for an infant, making its absence a symbol of utter deprivation and curse (Job 3:12). This cultural understanding makes the metaphorical application to God's provision deeply resonant, communicating not just giving, but intimate, life-sustaining care.

חָזֶה (chazeh, H2373) — refers to the chest or bosom in a more general, anatomical sense, not specifically the nourishing breast. דַּד (dad, H1717) — a synonymous poetic term for a woman's breast, used almost exclusively in the Song of Solomon (e.g., Song of Solomon 4:5).

Word Details

Scripture References