What Is Abrahams Bosom
“What is Abraham's bosom?”The term "Abraham's bosom" is found only once in the New Testament, in which Jesus was teaching about was the reality of heaven and hell. "Abraham's bosom" in this story is also translated "Abraham's side" (NIV, ESV), "next to Abraham" (CEV), "with Abraham" (NLT), and "the arms of Abraham" (NCV). These various translations speak to the enigmatic nature of the Greek word kolpos.Luke 16:19-3119 Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury.20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man's table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.22 "Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham.(into Abraham's bosom) The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead.(to Hades) There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.24 "The rich man shouted, ÔÇÿFather Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.'25 "But Abraham said to him, ÔÇÿSon, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.'27 "Then the rich man said, ÔÇÿPlease, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father's home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment.'29 "But Abraham said, ÔÇÿMoses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.'30 "The rich man replied, ÔÇÿNo, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.'31 "But Abraham said, ÔÇÿIf they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't listen even if someone rises from the dead.'"All these translations are attempting to convey the sense that Lazarus went to a place of rest, contentment, and peace, almost as though Abraham (a highly revered person in Jewish history) was the protector or patron. In a sad contrast, the rich man finds himself in torment with no one to help, assist or console him.Contrary to some contemporary thought, the Bible does teach that both heaven and hell are real places. Each person who lives will spend eternity in one of these two places. These two destinies are portrayed in Jesus' story. While the rich man had lived for the day and only focused on life here on earth, Lazarus endured many hardships while trusting in God. So, verses 22 and 23 are significant: "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom."Death can be thought of as separation. Physical death is the separation of our body from our soul/spirit, while spiritual death is the separation of our soul from God. Jesus taught that we ought not to fear physical death, but we should be most concerned about spiritual death. Jesus also saidLuke 12:4-54 "Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. 5 But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell.(Greek Gehenna) Yes, he's the one to fear. , Jesus' use of the term "Abraham's bosom" was a part of His teaching to focus the minds of His hearers on the fact that our choices to seek God or disregard Him here on earth literally affect where we spend eternity.