ABRAHAM'S BOSOM
What Is Abraham's Bosom in the Bible?
In the first century, it was the Jewish custom to recline at the table during meals. Thus, the saying, "recline in the bosom," signified a place of honor near the host. The apostle John enjoyed such an honor at the Passover supper the night before Christ was crucified (cf. Jn. 13:23). The phrase is also used for Jesus' intimate relationship with his Heavenly Father (Jn. 1:18).
In Luke 16:23, the phrase "Abraham's bosom" describes the state of blessedness afforded the beggar Lazarus following his death. The term not only reflects a reward but also a place of honor and implies consciousness. It represents the condition of the godly soul between the time the body dies and its final resurrection. It would be the equivalent of "paradise" (Lk 23:43).
In Luke 16:23, the phrase "Abraham's bosom" describes the state of blessedness afforded the beggar Lazarus following his death. The term not only reflects a reward but also a place of honor and implies consciousness. It represents the condition of the godly soul between the time the body dies and its final resurrection. It would be the equivalent of "paradise" (Lk 23:43).
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Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson
