Meaning
Bosom booz'-um: In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, choq or cheq, "inlet", "lap" (Exo 4:6, Exo 4:7, Num 11:12, Deu 13:6, Deu 28:54, Deu 28:56, Rth 4:16, Psa 74:11, Isa 65:6, Isa 65:7, Lam 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 (Luk 6:38, Joh 13:23). For Abraham's bosom, see separate article.
Figurative: In a figurative sense it denotes intimacy and unrestrained intercourse (Gen 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.
F. E. Hirsch
