The Hebrew word dad, represented by H1717, refers to the breast or teat. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses. The definition indicates it can refer to the breast as a "seat of love" or simply describe its physical shape.
In the biblical narrative, H1717 is used in two sharply contrasting ways. In a positive sense, it describes marital intimacy and satisfaction, as seen in the encouragement for a husband to be satisfied by his wife's breasts Proverbs 5:19. Conversely, in the book of Ezekiel, the term is used allegorically to depict Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness. The "bruising" of the teats or breasts of their youth in Egypt symbolizes the nation's early and persistent idolatry and whoredoms (Ezekiel 23:3, Ezekiel 23:8, Ezekiel 23:21).
Several related words clarify the contexts in which H1717 is found:
- H160 'ahăbâh (love): This word is used in Proverbs 5:19 to frame the positive use of H1717, where a husband is to be "ravished always with her love," linking the physical intimacy of the breasts with marital affection.
- H2181 zânâh (whoredoms): In Ezekiel, this term defines the symbolic context. The "bruising" of the teats H1717 is an act of spiritual adultery, as the nation "committed whoredoms in Egypt" Ezekiel 23:3.
- H7699 shad (breast, pap): This word is used as a direct parallel to H1717 in Ezekiel. The text mentions that "their breasts H7699 were pressed, and there they bruised the teats H1717 of their virginity," showing how these terms are used together to emphasize the allegory (Ezekiel 23:3, Ezekiel 23:21).
The theological significance of H1717 lies in its powerful dual symbolism concerning faithfulness and unfaithfulness.
- Covenantal Intimacy: In its positive sense, H1717 represents the blessing and satisfaction found within the covenant of marriage. It portrays physical love as a good and satisfying gift, as a wife's breasts are meant to "satisfy" her husband Proverbs 5:19.
- Symbol of Idolatry: In its negative, allegorical use, the word becomes a stark symbol of spiritual betrayal. Ezekiel uses the imagery of bruised teats to represent Israel's earliest and most formative acts of unfaithfulness to God, equating their idolatrous alliances with the "whoredoms" of their youth in Egypt Ezekiel 23:8.
- Remembrance and Consequences: The use of H1717 in Ezekiel is tied to the theme of remembering past sin. God "calledst to remembrance the lewdness of thy youth" Ezekiel 23:21, showing that these early acts of spiritual harlotry established a pattern of rebellion with lasting consequences.
In summary, dad H1717 is a specific term for breast or teat that carries significant symbolic weight. While it appears only four times, its usage spans the spectrum from the depiction of pure, satisfying love within marriage to a graphic allegory for the nation of Israel's deep-rooted spiritual infidelity. The word demonstrates how scripture can infuse a common physical term with profound theological meaning, illustrating the concepts of both covenantal blessing and the consequences of idolatry.
TRV