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Abraham's Bosom

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Abraham, Book of

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booz´um ( κόλπος Ἀβραάμ , kólpos Abraám ; κόλποι Ἀβραάμ , kólpoi Abraám ): Figurative. The expression occurs in Luke 16:22 , Luke 16:23 , 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 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 .