Lexical Summary kolpos: Bosom, chest, bay, fold Original Word: κόλπος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bosom, breast, bay Apparently a primary word; the bosom; by analogy, a bay -- bosom, creek. HELPS Word-studies 2859 kólpos – properly, the upper part of the chest where a garment naturally folded to form a "pocket" – called the "bosom," the position synonymous with intimacy (union). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the bosom NASB Translation bay (1), bosom (4), lap (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2859: κόλποςκόλπος, κόλπου, ὁ (apparently akin to κοῖλος hollow, (yet cf. Vanicek, p. 179; Liddell and Scott, under the word)), Hebrew חֵיק; the bosom (Latinsinus), i. e. as in the Greek writings from Homer down: 1. the front of the body between the arms hence ἀνακεῖσθαι ἐν τῷ κόλπῳ τίνος, of the one who so reclines at table that his head covers the bosom as it were, the chest, of the one next him (cf. B. D. under the word 2. the bosom of a garment, i. e. the hollow formed by the upper forepart of a rather loose garment bound by a girdle, used for keeping and carrying things (the fold or pocket; cf. B. D. under the word 3. a bay of the sea (cf. Italiangolfo (English gulf — which may be only the modern representatives of the Greek word)): Acts 27:39. Though κόλπος commonly denotes the physical “bosom” or “lap,” Scripture employs the term figuratively for intimate relationship, covenantal security, gracious provision, and even geography (a curved shoreline, “bay”). Each nuance directs the reader to truths about the nearness of God, the destiny of the righteous, and the generosity that flows from a redeemed heart. Intimacy within the Godhead (John 1:18) “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in the Father’s bosom, has made Him known.” Here κόλπος expresses eternal, unbroken fellowship. The Son does not merely stand beside the Father; He resides “in the Father’s bosom,” underscoring equality and affection. The verse grounds the doctrine of the Incarnation: the One who eternally occupies this place of divine intimacy makes the unseen God visible and knowable. The relational warmth conveyed by κόλπος assures believers that revelation flows from a heart of love, not distant detachment. Discipleship and Personal Fellowship (John 13:23) “One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ bosom.” At the Last Supper, John’s position dramatizes personal closeness with Christ—available to every follower. First-century banquet posture placed the guest’s head near the host’s chest; thus κόλπος depicts both comfort and attentive listening. In ministry contexts this scene encourages believers to cultivate nearness to Christ that fuels obedience and witness. Covenantal Rest after Death (Luke 16:22-23) “The beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom… In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus in his bosom.” Jewish expectation viewed Abraham as patriarch of the covenant. κόλπος therefore portrays a place of honor, fellowship, and consolation for the faithful dead. The contrast with the rich man’s torment reinforces that post-mortem destinies are fixed and rooted in covenant relationship, not earthly status. Abraham’s embrace anticipates the final rest promised in passages such as Revelation 14:13. Generosity Measured Back (Luke 6:38) “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your bosom.” Ancient garments formed a pouch at the chest where grain could be carried. Jesus takes this everyday image and attaches a kingdom promise: generous hearts receive overflowing return. Ministry application extends beyond material resources to mercy, forgiveness, and encouragement, all of which, when given freely, return abundantly from God’s hand. Maritime Usage: Natural Harbors (Acts 27:39) “When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a beach and resolved to run the ship ashore if they could.” Here κόλπος shifts from human embrace to the embrace of land around water—a protective curve able to receive a battered vessel. Even in this literal sense the term subtly echoes God’s provision, as the bay becomes the means of deliverance for Paul and all aboard. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Assurance of Divine Love: κόλπος in John 1:18 anchors confidence that redemption springs from eternal love. Summary Whether describing the Father-Son relationship, a disciple’s closeness to Jesus, the blessed repose of the faithful dead, an overflowing garment, or a life-saving inlet, κόλπος consistently speaks of welcome, security, and provision. The term invites every reader to find refuge in the greater embrace of God through Christ and to extend that same gracious “bosom” to others. Englishman's Concordance Luke 6:38 N-AMSGRK: εἰς τὸν κόλπον ὑμῶν ᾧ NAS: to you. They will pour into your lap a good KJV: into your bosom. For with the same INT: into the lap of you with that Luke 16:22 N-AMS Luke 16:23 N-DMP John 1:18 N-AMS John 13:23 N-DMS Acts 27:39 N-AMS Strong's Greek 2859 |
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