Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: "Abraham's Bosom" is a term found in the New Testament, specifically in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. It is used to describe a place of comfort and rest for the righteous dead, contrasting with the place of torment for the unrighteous. The term is unique to this parable and is not found elsewhere in the Bible. Biblical Reference: The primary reference to Abraham's Bosom is found in Luke 16:19-31. In this passage, Jesus tells the account of a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. Upon their deaths, Lazarus is carried by angels to "Abraham's Bosom," while the rich man finds himself in Hades, in torment. The rich man looks up and sees Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. Luke 16:22-23 : "Now the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side." Theological Significance: Abraham's Bosom is often interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the afterlife for the righteous before the resurrection of Christ. It signifies a state of blessedness and peace, in contrast to the suffering experienced by the unrighteous. The imagery of being at Abraham's side suggests a place of honor and fellowship, as Abraham is a patriarchal figure representing faith and covenant with God. Cultural and Historical Context: In Jewish tradition, Abraham is a central figure, revered as the father of the nation of Israel and a model of faith. The concept of being gathered to one's ancestors or resting with the patriarchs was a common way to describe the afterlife for the faithful. The use of "bosom" implies closeness and intimacy, suggesting a personal and comforting relationship with Abraham. Interpretations and Debates: The interpretation of Abraham's Bosom has been the subject of theological debate. Some view it as a literal place where the souls of the righteous awaited Christ's redemptive work, while others see it as a parabolic illustration meant to convey moral and spiritual truths. The parable emphasizes themes of justice, reversal of fortunes, and the finality of one's eternal destiny based on earthly life. Relation to Other Biblical Concepts: Abraham's Bosom is often compared to other biblical concepts of the afterlife, such as Paradise, Sheol, and Hades. It is distinct from the final judgment and the eternal states of heaven and hell described elsewhere in Scripture. The imagery aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's justice and the hope of redemption for the faithful. Conclusion: While the term "Abraham's Bosom" is specific to the parable in Luke, it has influenced Christian thought on the intermediate state of the dead and the nature of divine justice. It serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and comfort promised to those who live in faithfulness to God. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Abraham's BosomABRAHAM'S BOSOM booz'-um (kolpos Abraam; kolpoi Abraam): Figurative. The expression occurs in Luke 16:22, 23, in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, to denote the place of repose to which Lazarus was carried after his death. The figure is suggested by the practice of the guest at a feast reclining on the breast of his neighbor. Thus, John leaned on the breast of Jesus at supper (John 21:20). The rabbis divided the state after death (Sheol) into a place for the righteous and a place for the wicked (see ESCHATOLOGY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT; SHEOL); but it is doubtful whether the figure of Jesus quite corresponds with this idea. "Abraham's bosom" is not spoken of as in "Hades," but rather as distinguished from it (Luke 16:23)-a place of blessedness by itself. There Abraham receives, as at a feast, the truly faithful, and admits them to closest intimacy. It may be regarded as equivalent to the "Paradise" of Luke 23:43. See HADES; PARADISE. ATS Bible Dictionary Abraham's BosomIn Luke 16:22, Lazarus is said to have been carried to Abraham's bosom, that is, to the state of bliss in paradise which the father of the faithful was enjoying. This is often represented by a feast, by sitting down to a banquet, Matthew 8:11 Luke 13:29. To lie on one's bosom refers to the oriental mode of reclining at table, John 13:23. See EATING. Library Abraham's Bosom --What it Means. Whether the Limbo of Hell is the Same as Abraham's Bosom? Moses, Allowing Divorce, and Christ Prohibiting It, Explained John ... He Retires to the Villa of his Friend Verecundus, who was not yet ... A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell. Whether Christ Went Down into the Hell of the Lost? On the Words of the Gospel, Luke x. 16, "He that Rejecteth You ... Second Great Group of Parables. Christ's Millennial and Heavenly Glory in Company with his Saints. The Rich Man and Lazarus. Resources What was Abraham's religion before God called him? | GotQuestions.orgHow many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that those who are of faith are sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:7)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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