Dictionaries :: Bosom

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Bosom:

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; 2Sa 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 (Jhn 1:18). John (Jhn 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 Encyclopaedia

Bosom:

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.

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.

Written by Frank E. Hirsch

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Bosom:

signifies

(a) "the front of the body between the arms;" hence, to recline in the "bosom" was said of one who so reclined at table that his head covered, as it were, the "bosom" of the one next to him, Jhn 13:23. Hence, figuratively, it is used of a place of blessedness with another, as with Abraham in Paradise, Luk 16:22, 23 (plural in ver. 23), from the custom of reclining at table in the "bosom," a place of honor; of the Lord's eternal and essential relation with the Father, in all its blessedness and affection as intimated in the phrase, "The Only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father" (Jhn 1:18);

(b) "of the bosom of a garment, the hollow formed by the upper forepart of a loose garment, bound by a girdle and used for carrying or keeping things;" thus figuratively of repaying one liberally, Luk 6:38; cp. Isa 65:6; Jer 39:18;

(c) "of an inlet of the sea," because of its shape, like a bosom, Act 27:39.
See BAY, CREEK.