κόλπος
kolpos
bosom
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word κόλπος (G2859) translates to the English word "bosom". This term refers to the region between and around the breasts, often symbolizing a protective or nurturing environment. In biblical contexts, it is used to describe a sense of comfort, security, or intimacy, particularly in physical and emotional closeness. Kolpos is used in various situations, including descriptions of maternal care, as in Jesus being in the "bosom" of his mother (Luke 11:27), and the act of reclining at a meal, where the head rested on the host's kolpos (Matthew 27:25, Mark 5:21, Luke 7:38, 12:7, 15:20). This term often represents a place of trust and safety. This Greek word holds significance in describing the close relationships and interactions within ancient Mediterranean culture, particularly in family and social settings. The concept of kolpos is essential in conveying emotional and physical closeness in biblical narratives, adding depth to the cultural and historical context of the stories.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 16:22The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried.
Luke 16:23In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.
John 1:18No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.
John 13:23One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast.
Acts 27:39When it was day, they didn’t recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.