Bosom

Bosom in Scripture functions as both a literal and figurative term. Literally, the fold of the garment at the chest served as a pocket for carrying objects in Eastern dress (Prov. 17:23; Isa. 65:6–7). To “carry in one's bosom” expressed close personal affection and protective care: the image of a shepherd carrying lambs in his bosom (Isa. 40:11) and Moses' complaint about bearing the people “as a nursing father carries the nursing child” (Num. 11:12) both draw on this intimacy.

The phrase “Abraham's bosom” in Luke 16:22–23 designates the place of comfort where Lazarus rested after death, reclining in the place of honor at Abraham's side—a metaphor for the blessed state of the righteous departed drawn from the banquet imagery of guests reclining together. John 1:18 applies the same image to the unique relationship between the eternal Son and the Father: Jesus is “the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father,” indicating perfect intimacy and mutual knowledge that grounds the Son's capacity to make the Father known.