of uncertain affinity; the chest ("thorax"), i.e. (by implication) a corslet:--breast-plate.
Transliteration:thṓrax
Pronunciation:tho'-rax
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term θώραξ (thṓrax, `{{G2382}}`) primarily denotes the anatomical "chest" or "thorax," the part of the body containing vital organs such as the heart and lungs. By extension, and as its primary usage in the biblical text, it refers to a "corslet" or "breastplate"—a piece of defensive armor designed to protect this vulnerable area. This protective garment was typically made of metal (bronze, iron) or hardened leather, often consisting of two plates (front and back) joined at the sides and shoulders. The semantic range thus moves from a literal bodily region to a crucial piece of military equipment, embodying the concept of vital protection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θώραξ (thṓrax, `{{G2382}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, presenting both literal and metaphorical uses:
* **[[Revelation 9:9]]**: "And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, with many horses rushing into battle." Here, θώραξ describes the literal armor of the demonic locusts emerging from the abyss. The imagery emphasizes their formidable, destructive, and seemingly invulnerable nature, equipped for battle.
* **[[Revelation 9:17]]**: "And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, smoky blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone." Again, θώραξ refers to the literal breastplates of the demonic cavalry, depicted with terrifying and destructive colors, reinforcing their role in divine judgment and destruction. In both Revelation passages, the breastplates signify an impenetrable defense for the agents of divine wrath.
* **[[1 Thessalonians 5:8]]**: "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation." This is a profound metaphorical usage. The breastplate here is not physical armor but a spiritual defense composed of "faith and love." In the context of eschatological vigilance ("belonging to the day"), believers are exhorted to be spiritually prepared, protecting their inner being (the "heart" as the seat of thought and emotion) with unwavering trust in God (faith) and active benevolence towards God and others (love). This spiritual breastplate guards against spiritual complacency and the attacks of the enemy.
* **[[Ephesians 6:14]]**: "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness." This verse is part of the comprehensive "armor of God" passage. Here, the breastplate is identified as "righteousness." This righteousness encompasses both the imputed righteousness received through Christ's atonement (justification) and the practical righteousness lived out daily by the believer (sanctification). This divine attribute and human obedience serve as an impenetrable defense for the heart and conscience against the accusations of the devil, the temptations of sin, and the spiritual forces of evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of θώραξ (thṓrax, `{{G2382}}`) as a spiritual breastplate is intrinsically linked to the broader New Testament theme of the "armor of God" (Ephesians 6). This spiritual panoply includes:
* The belt of truth (`{{G225}}` - alētheia)
* The shoes of the gospel of peace (`{{G2098}}` - euangelion; `{{G1515}}` - eirēnē)
* The shield of faith (`{{G4137}}` - thureos; `{{G4102}}` - pistis)
* The helmet of salvation (`{{G4030}}` - perikephalaia; `{{G4991}}` - sōtēria)
* The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (`{{G3162}}` - machaira; `{{G4151}}` - pneuma; `{{G4487}}` - rhēma)
These elements collectively emphasize the divine provision and human responsibility in spiritual warfare. The breastplate, specifically, guards the vital center, aligning with Old Testament imagery where God Himself is often depicted as a shield or protector ([[Psalm 18:2]], [[Psalm 28:7]]). The pairing of θώραξ with "faith and love" in 1 Thessalonians and "righteousness" in Ephesians highlights the indispensable nature of these virtues for spiritual integrity and resilience.
### Theological Significance
The θώραξ (thṓrax, `{{G2382}}`) as a breastplate carries profound theological weight, especially in its metaphorical applications. It signifies divine protection for the believer's inner life, the very core of their being where faith resides, decisions are made, and spiritual battles are waged.
In **[[1 Thessalonians 5:8]]**, the breastplate of "faith and love" underscores that the believer's trust in God and their active love for God and neighbor are not merely virtues but potent spiritual defenses. Faith provides an unshakeable reliance on God's character and promises, deflecting doubts and despair. Love, as the fulfilling of the law and the essence of Christian living, protects against bitterness, division, and the corrosive effects of sin. Together, they guard the heart from spiritual attack and enable steadfastness in anticipation of Christ's return.
In **[[Ephesians 6:14]]**, the breastplate of "righteousness" emphasizes that a life lived in conformity to God's holy standards, both through Christ's imputed righteousness and the believer's ongoing sanctification, provides an unassailable defense. Righteousness protects the conscience from guilt and shame, which the enemy often uses as weapons. It also provides moral integrity, making the believer less susceptible to temptation and false accusations. This spiritual armor is not passive but requires the believer's active "putting on" and maintenance, signifying a conscious commitment to living righteously in reliance on God's power. The contrast with the literal, destructive breastplates in Revelation highlights that for believers, this armor is for protection and endurance, not for inflicting harm, but for standing firm against evil.
### Summary
The Greek word θώραξ (thṓrax, `{{G2382}}`) denotes the "chest" or, more commonly in biblical usage, a "breastplate." While it appears literally in the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, describing the formidable armor of demonic forces, its profound theological significance emerges in the epistles of Paul. There, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual defenses God provides His people. In [[1 Thessalonians 5:8]], the breastplate is identified as "faith and love," essential virtues that protect the believer's inner life from spiritual harm. In [[Ephesians 6:14]], it is "righteousness," signifying both God's imputed righteousness and the believer's practical obedience as an impenetrable guard for the heart and conscience against the schemes of the enemy. The θώραξ thus represents a vital piece of the Christian's spiritual armor, safeguarding the core of their being and enabling steadfastness in the spiritual battle through divine provision and active participation.
TRV