Bible Dictionary
Abraham’s bosom
To be in Abraham’s bosom describes a place or condition of comfort and fellowship with Abraham after death. In Jesus’ parable, it represents the blessed state of Lazarus in contrast with the misery of the rich man.
Definition
“Abraham’s bosom” describes a place or condition of comfort, rest, fellowship, and blessedness with Abraham after death. The expression comes from the ancient arrangement of reclining at a banquet, where one person’s head could rest near another’s bosom.
Biblical Usage
In Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus, Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s bosom, in contrast with the rich man’s misery. The expression represents blessed rest at the banquet in Paradise.
Historical Background
The image reflects the Jewish custom of reclining on couches at meals, where the position of one guest placed him close to the bosom of another.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Luke 16:22, 23) refers to the custom of reclining on couches at table, which was prevalent among the Jews, an arrangement which brought the head of one person almost into the bosom of the one who sat or reclined above him. To “be in Abraham’s bosom” thus meant to enjoy happiness and rest (Matt. 8:11; Luke 16:23) at the banquet in Paradise. (See banquet; MEALS.)