Bible Encyclopedias
Bosom

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

booz´um : In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, חוק , ḥōḳ or חיק , ḥēḳ , "inlet, "lap" (Exodus 4:6 , Exodus 4:7; Numbers 11:12; Deuteronomy 13:6; Deuteronomy 28:54 , Deuteronomy 28:56; Rth 4:16; Psalm 74:11; Isaiah 65:6 , Isaiah 65:7; Lamentations 2:12 ). "A present in the bosom" (Proverbs 21:14 ): bribes carried ready for use in the fold of the robe. חצן , ḥēcen = "bosom" (with special reference to that portion of the body which is between the arms), occurs in Psalm 129:7; חב , ḥōbh = "a cherisher," hence, "the bosom" (Job 31:33 ); צלּחת , callaḥath = something advanced or deep, "a bowl"; figurative "the bosom" (Proverbs 19:24 the King James Version; Proverbs 26:15 the King James Version). The Greek employs κόλπος , kólpos (Luke 6:38; John 13:23 ). For Abraham's bosom, see separate article.

Figurative: In a figurative sense it denotes intimacy and unrestrained intercourse (Genesis 16:5; 2 Samuel 12:8 ); tender care and watchfulness (Isaiah 40:11 ); closest intimacy and most perfect knowledge (John 1:18 ); "into their bosom" (Psalm 79:12 ) indicates the bosom as the seat of thought and reflection.