Lexical Summary chotsen: Bosom, lap Original Word: חֹצֶן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arm, lap A collateral form of chetsen, and meaning the same -- arm, lap. see HEBREW chetsen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as chetsen Definition bosom NASB Translation bosom (1), front of my garment (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs חֹ֫צֶן noun masculine bosom; — חָצְנִי נָעַרְתִּי Nehemiah 5:13 I shook out my bosom (the bosom of my garment); וְהֵבִיאוּ בָּנַיִךְ בְּחֹ֫צֶן Isaiah 49:22 and they shall bring thy sons in the bosom (i.e. in the arms, clasped to the bosom, like infants; "" עַלכָּֿתֵף). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imageryחֹצֶן (ḥōṣen) denotes the hollow formed by the front of a robe when it is gathered, the “bosom” or “lap” where valuables, food, or small children could be carried. The term therefore speaks of nearness, possession, security, and, when shaken out, loss and judgment. It evokes both nurturing embrace and decisive rejection, depending on context. Occurrences in Scripture 1. Nehemiah 5:13 – Nehemiah dramatizes a curse upon covenant-breakers by shaking out the folds of his garment. The emptying of the חֹצֶן portrays complete dispossession: “So may such a man be shaken out and emptied”. 2. Isaiah 49:22 – The restored Zion is promised the return of her children: “They will bring your sons in their arms” (literally “in their bosom,”). The nations become foster-bearers, cherishing the sons of Israel in their חֹצֶן, a vivid picture of protective tenderness. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern dress the outer mantle was ample enough to form an overhanging pouch when drawn up by a belt. People carried grain (Ruth 3:15), money, or even scrolls in this space. Because the contents rested close to the heart, the bosom symbolized intimate care or personal ownership. Conversely, to shake out that fold was an unmistakable public gesture of casting away. Nehemiah’s prophetic action would have been immediately understood by his audience as invoking divine forfeiture. Theological and Practical Implications Protection and Provision Isaiah’s usage anchors the word in the Lord’s redemptive plan. Zion’s children, once scattered, are gathered “in the bosom” of the nations—yet under Yahweh’s lifted hand and raised banner (Isaiah 49:22). The image anticipates the Shepherd-Messiah who “tends His flock... He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart” (Isaiah 40:11). The bosom points to God’s paternal pledge to hold His people securely. Judgment and Accountability Nehemiah harnesses the same image to warn nobles who exploited their brethren. The emptying of the garment parallels the later teaching of Jesus: “From the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29). God’s justice can just as surely remove from the bosom as place within it. Reciprocity and Generosity Luke 6:38 translates a related practice into kingdom ethics: “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap.” The lap or bosom becomes the receptacle of divine recompense; the principle behind Nehemiah’s curse inverts into a promise for cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Application in Ministry and Discipleship Pastoral Care The term encourages shepherd-leaders to bear God’s people close to the heart, valuing them as the Lord Himself does. It challenges ministries to cultivate environments where the vulnerable are held, not exploited. Prophetic Confrontation Nehemiah’s example authorizes righteous, symbolic actions that expose injustice. Modern application may involve visible acts of relinquishment—returning ill-gotten gain, canceling oppressive debts, or publicly affirming ethical reforms. Hope for the Dispersed Isaiah’s vision assures parents praying for prodigals and churches longing for revival that the Lord can enlist unexpected agents to bring sons and daughters home. The bosom metaphor offers comforting language for intercession: loved ones carried securely back to covenant blessing. Related Biblical Themes • Divine Fatherhood: Numbers 11:12; John 1:18 Summary חֹצֶן richly conveys both the intimacy of God’s care and the seriousness of His judgment. Embraced, the believer rests near the heart of the Almighty; resisted, the unfaithful risk being shaken empty. Forms and Transliterations בְּחֹ֔צֶן בחצן חָצְנִ֣י חצני bə·ḥō·ṣen beChotzen bəḥōṣen chatzeNi ḥā·ṣə·nî ḥāṣənîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 5:13 HEB: גַּם־ חָצְנִ֣י נָעַ֗רְתִּי וָֽאֹמְרָ֡ה NAS: shook out the front of my garment and said, KJV: Also I shook my lap, and said, So God INT: also the front shook and said Isaiah 49:22 2 Occurrences |
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