Bible Dictionary
Bosom
The bosom is the breast or fold of a garment where objects could be carried. Figuratively, it denotes intimacy, affection, secrecy, tender care, or close fellowship, as in Christ’s relationship with the Father and His care for His people.
Definition
The bosom is the breast, lap, or fold of a garment where objects may be carried. Figuratively, it denotes intimacy, secrecy, affection, tender care, watchfulness, inward thought, or close fellowship.
Biblical Usage
To have someone in one’s bosom signifies kindness, intimacy, or confidence. John leaned on Jesus’ bosom, Christ is described as being in the bosom of the Father, and the Lord carries His lambs in His bosom as an image of tender care.
Historical Background
In the East, objects commonly carried in a bosom fold were carried in a pocket by Europeans. The word could also describe the abdomen, womb, lap, or the space between the arms.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one’s bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Gen. 16:5; 2 Sam. 12:8). Christ is said to have been in “the bosom of the Father,” i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isa. 40:11).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>booz'-um: In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, choq or cheq, "inlet", "lap" (Ex 4:6,7; Nu 11:12; De 13:6; 28:54,56; Ru 4:16; Ps 74:11; Isa 65:6,7; La 2:12). "A present in the bosom" (Pr 21:14): bribes carried ready for use in the fold of the robe. chetsen = "bosom" (with special reference to that portion of the body which is between the arms), occurs in Ps 129:7; chobh = "a cherisher," hence, "the bosom" (Job 31:33); tsallachath = something advanced or deep, "a bowl"; figurative "the bosom" (Pr 19:24 the King James Version; Pr 26:15 the King James Version). The Greek employs kolpos (Lu 6:38; Joh 13:23). For Abraham's bosom, see separate article.</p><p>Figurative: In a figurative sense it denotes intimacy and unrestrained intercourse (Ge 16:5; 2Sa 12:8); tender care and watchfulness (Isa 40:11); closest intimacy and most perfect knowledge (Joh 1:18); "into their bosom" (Ps 79:12) indicates the bosom as the seat of thought and reflection.</p><p>F. E. Hirsch</p>