The Greek that is translated in English as “beat his breast” or similar is translated in Kasem as “clapped his hands.” To beat one’s breast is considered to be a sign of arrogance and pride. To express regret people clap their hands. (Source: Urs Niggli in Holzhausen / Riderer 2010, p. 16)
In Yaweyuha it is expressed more explicitly as “feeling great sorrow, repeatedly beating their chests.” (Source: Larson 1998, p. 98)