What Is Abraham's Bosom — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Abraham's bosom is a phrase that appears only once in Scripture but encapsulates the Old Testament hope of the afterlife and the gracious welcome awaiting those who die in faith. Jesus used it in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus: 'And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.' The expression 'Abraham's bosom' draws from ancient Near Eastern custom. At a banquet, the most honored guest reclined on the couch next to the host, leaning against his chest. To be in someone's bosom was to enjoy the closest place of intimacy, honor, and fellowship. For a Jew, there was no greater honor than to recline at the feast with Abraham, the father of the faithful. Abraham's bosom represents several truths about the intermediate state of the righteous dead. First, it is a place of conscious blessedness. Lazarus was not unconscious or asleep; he was aware of his surroundings, recognized Abraham, and was capable of fellowship. Second, it is a place of reward for faithfulness in life. Lazarus, who had suffered poverty and disease on earth, was now comforted in the company of the patriarch. Third, it is a place of separation from the wicked. The 'great gulf fixed' between Abraham's bosom and the place of torment made it impossible for the wicked to enter or the righteous to leave. Fourth, it is a place of hope, not final fulfillment. The righteous in Abraham's bosom were awaiting the resurrection and the consummation of God's promises. Abraham himself had 'died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off.' Before Christ's ascension, Abraham's bosom was located in Sheol (Hades), the realm of the dead. It was the compartment of comfort for the righteous, as distinguished from the compartment of torment for the wicked. Jesus's promise to the thief on the cross — 'To day shalt thou be with me in paradise' — indicates that paradise and Abraham's bosom are the same place. When Jesus died, His soul descended to this realm, and when He rose, He 'led captivity captive' — taking the righteous dead with Him into the presence of the Father. Since the ascension, believers who die do not go to Abraham's bosom in Sheol but directly into the presence of Christ in the third heaven. Paul's desire was 'to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better.' The intermediate state for believers is now conscious fellowship with Christ in paradise, not merely the comfort of Abraham's bosom. But the imagery of Abraham's bosom remains deeply meaningful. It reminds us that death for the believer is a homecoming to the family of faith, a place at the eternal banquet, and an embrace by the Father of the faithful. The poor, despised, suffering believer who dies in Christ will one day recline at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven — while those who lived for wealth and pleasure will find themselves in torment, separated from the very blessings they neglected to seek.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages