King James Bible Dictionary

In the East objects are carried in the bosom which Europeans carry in the pocket. To have in one's bosom indicates kindness, secrecy, or intimacy (Genesis 16:5; 2 Samuel 12:8). Christ is said to have been in "the bosom of the Father," i.e., he had the most perfect knowledge of the Father, had the closest intimacy with him (John 1:18). John (13:23) was "leaning on Jesus' bosom" at the last supper. Our Lord carries his lambs in his bosom, i.e., has a tender, watchful care over them (Isaiah 40:11).

BO'SOM, noun s as z.

1. The breast of a human being and the parts adjacent.

2. The folds or covering of clothes about the breast.

Put thy hand in thy bosom Exodus 4:6.

3. Embrace, as with the arms; inclosure; compass; often implying friendship or affection; as, to live in the bosom of a church.

4. The breast, as inclosing the heart; or the interior of the breast, considered as the seat of the passions.

Anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9.

Their soul was poured into their mother's bosom Lamentations 2:12.

5. The breast, or its interior, considered as a close place, the receptacle of secrets.

If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding my iniquity in my bosom Job 31:33.

6. Any inclosed place; the interior; as the bosom of the earth or of the deep.

7. The tender affections; kindness; favor; as the son of his bosom; the wife of thy bosom

He shall carry the lambs in his bosom Isaiah 40:11.

8. The arms, or embrace of the arms. Psalms 129:7.

9. Inclination; desire. [Not used.]

Bosom, in composition, implies intimacy, affection and confidence; as a bosom-friend, an intimate or confidential friend; bosom-lover, bosom-interest, bosom-secret, etc. In such phrases, bosom may be considered as an attribute equivalent to intimate, confidential, dear.

BO'SOM, verb transitive To inclose in the bosom; to keep with care.

Bosom up my counsel.

1. To conceal; to hide from view.

To happy convents bosom'd deep in vines.

BO'SOMED, participle passive Inclosed in the breast; concealed.