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; 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).

BO'SOM . The dress of the Jews was such as allowed them to carry within a fold in the bosom of the robe what could not be carried in the hand. Isa 40:11; Luke 6:38, It was also used to denote a place of rest and security. Hence the term Abraham's bosom is figuratively spoken of as the abode of Lazarus, and means the same as paradise. Luke 16:23; comp. Luke 23:43. To lean on the bosom implied great intimacy. John 13:23. The position of John, leaning on the bosom of the Saviour, was easy and natural, since the company were reclining at table upon couches, and the back of his head came near the bosom of Jesus, who was on his left. The use of this term, John 1:18, imports the perfect unity of the Father and Son.

BO'SOM . The dress of the Jews was such as allowed them to carry within a fold in the bosom of the robe what could not be carried in the hand. Isa 40:11; Luke 6:38, It was also used to denote a place of rest and security. Hence the term Abraham's bosom is figuratively spoken of as the abode of Lazarus, and means the same as paradise. Luke 16:23; comp. Luke 23:43. To lean on the bosom implied great intimacy. John 13:23. The position of John, leaning on the bosom of the Saviour, was easy and natural, since the company were reclining at table upon couches, and the back of his head came near the bosom of Jesus, who was on his left. The use of this term, John 1:18, imports the perfect unity of the Father and Son.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The breast of a human being; the part, between the arms, to which anything is pressed when embraced by them. You must prepare your bosom for his knife. Shak.

2. The breast, considered as the seat of the passions, affections, and operations of the mind; consciousness; se Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it. Shak. If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom. Job xxxi. 33.

3. Embrace; loving or affectionate inclosure; fold. Within the bosom of that church. Hooker.

4. Any thing or place resembling the breast; a supporting surface; an inner recess; the interior; as, the bosom of the earth. "The bosom of the ocean." Addison.

5. The part of the dress worn upon the breast; an article, or a portion of an article, of dress to be worn upon the breast; as, the bosom of a shirt; a linen bosom. He put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. Ex. iv. 6.

6. Inclination; desire. [Obs.] Shak.

7. A depression round the eye of a millstone. Knight.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To inclose or carry in the bosom; to keep with care; to take to heart; to cherish. Bosom up my counsel, You'll find it wholesome. Shak.

2. To conceal; to hide from view; to embosom. To happy convents bosomed deep in vines. Pope.

Part of speech: adjective (a.)

1. Of or pertaining to the bosom.

2. Intimate; confidential; familiar; trusted; cherished; beloved; as, a bosom friend.