In biblical literature, the term "bosom" is often used metaphorically to convey intimacy, closeness, and comfort. It appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing both physical and spiritual relationships.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, the bosom is frequently associated with familial and intimate relationships. For instance, in Deuteronomy 13:6, the term is used to describe the close bond between family members: "If your very own brother, or your son or daughter, or the wife you embrace, or your closest friend secretly entices you, saying, 'Let us go and worship other gods'..." . Here, the "wife you embrace" is literally "the wife of your bosom," indicating a deep, personal connection.

The bosom is also a place of nurturing and care. In Isaiah 40:11, the prophet describes God's tender care for His people: "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young" . The phrase "close to His heart" is often translated as "in His bosom," illustrating God's protective and loving nature.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of the bosom is further developed, particularly in the context of spiritual relationships and eternal rest. One of the most notable references is found in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. In Luke 16:22-23, Jesus describes Lazarus being carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom" after his death: "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side" . "Abraham's bosom" is understood as a place of comfort and rest for the righteous, contrasting with the torment experienced by the unrighteous.

The Gospel of John also uses the imagery of the bosom to describe the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father. In John 1:18, it is written, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known" . The phrase "at the Father’s side" is often translated as "in the bosom of the Father," signifying the unique and eternal relationship between the Father and the Son.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The use of "bosom" in Scripture carries rich theological implications. It symbolizes a place of safety, love, and acceptance, reflecting the intimate relationship believers are invited to have with God. The imagery of being in someone's bosom conveys a sense of belonging and peace, which is central to the Christian understanding of salvation and eternal life.

In summary, the biblical concept of the bosom serves as a powerful metaphor for divine love and human relationships, illustrating the depth of connection and care that God offers to His people.

Blessed be He who Became Beyond Measure Low, that He Might Make us ...
... 7. He dwelt in the wide bosoms, of all the creatures;"too narrow to hold, the greatness
of the Firstborn."How then sufficed for it, that bosom of Mary ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiv blessed be he.htm

Andromeda
... bathed round with the fiery coolness, Needing nor sun nor moon, self-lighted, immortal:
but others, Pitiful, floated in silence apart; in their bosoms the sea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

Trials to be Met.
... For parents, then, to violate this provision of nature, is causing a sword to pierce
through their own bosoms, and the bosoms of their children: to do it ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter viii trials to be.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... believed would follow. 16. "Render," he saith, "to our neighbours seven
times so much into their bosoms" (ver.13). Not any evil ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

part i.
... of the eternal throne; the Sovereign Creator upholding all ranks of intelligences
in the hollow of his hand, and pouring into their bosoms the fullness of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part i.htm

Star of Wisdom
... Weary wanderers in the Night-time; Blessed they who feel the throbbing,. In their
bosoms feel the pulsing. Of a deep Love stirred within them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allen/the way of peace/star of wisdom.htm

V. ...
... For the worst enemies that we have hide themselves in our bosoms, and in our very
flesh and blood, wake, sleep, and live with us, like a wicked spirit which we ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v .htm

To the Right Hon. Henry Pelham, First Lord Commissioner of the ...
... and such as, I am satisfied, will have great weight with all who give themselves
the small trouble of looking seriously into their own bosoms, and of observing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/young/youngs night thoughts/to the right hon henry.htm

Seven "I Wills" of Christ.
... of sin that they are despised by all who know them, who have been rejected by their
fathers and mothers, who have been cast off by the wives of their bosoms. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/seven i wills of christ.htm

Letter ix. To Titus, Hierarch, Asking by Letter what is the House ...
... a word flowing out into air from a man's heart, which eructates it, and a breath,
breathed forth from a mouth; and celebrating God-bearing bosoms embracing a ...
/.../dionysius/letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter ix to titus hierarch.htm

Bosoms (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bosoms (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 23:3 and they played
the harlot in Egypt; they played the harlot in their ...
/b/bosoms.htm - 6k

Bosor (1 Occurrence)

/b/bosor.htm - 7k

Bosom (47 Occurrences)

/b/bosom.htm - 26k

Harlot (87 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 23:3 and they committed harlotries in Egypt; they committed harlotries in
their youth; there were their bosoms pressed, and there their virgin breasts ...
/h/harlot.htm - 46k

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