### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
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]]).
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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.