The term “Abraham’s bosom” is found only once in the Bible, in the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. It refers to the place of comfort and blessing in the afterlife where Lazarus was after he died.
In the parable, Lazarus was a poor beggar who suffered greatly during his life. When he died, he was carried by angels to Abraham’s side or bosom. The rich man also died and went to Hades, a place of torment. From Hades, the rich man could see Lazarus far away with Abraham.
This illustrates that after death, there is a divide between those who are blessed because of their faith, like Lazarus, and those who rejected faith. Lazarus was with Abraham, the father of all who have faith (see Romans 4:11). Being in Abraham’s bosom shows Lazarus was welcomed into eternal life with the heroes of the faith.
So Abraham’s bosom represents the paradise of being in God’s presence after death for those who trusted in Him. As Jesus promised the repentant thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Where is Abraham’s bosom located?
The exact location of Abraham’s bosom is unclear. From the illustration of Lazarus and the rich man, we know it is in close proximity to Hades, the place of torment for those who rejected God. Yet there is a great chasm fixed between the two places, showing a permanent separation (Luke 16:26).
Some interpreters consider Abraham’s bosom to be another term for paradise. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paradise is also thought to be the same as the “third heaven” where the apostle Paul says he was caught up into (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
So Abraham’s bosom seems to refer generally to the abode of the righteous dead before Jesus’ resurrection. The paradise where God’s presence dwells and His people find rest. Its specific location is not precisely defined.
Why is it called Abraham’s bosom?
To be in someone’s bosom conveys closeness, intimacy, and care. For example, the apostle John is described as reclining on Jesus’ bosom at the Last Supper, showing his special relationship as the beloved disciple (John 13:23).
Similarly, Lazarus is pictured in a place of honor, protection, and love next to Abraham, the father of all who believe. As Paul says, those who have Abraham’s faith are called children of Abraham and blessed along with him (Galatians 3:7, 9).
Abraham is also associated with heavenly blessings in general. Jesus said, “Many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11). So Abraham’s bosom represents the intimate fellowship of believers with their patriarch Abraham in the joyous gathering of heaven.
Did views of the afterlife develop over time in the Bible?
The concept of Abraham’s bosom seems to illustrate a developing understanding of the afterlife in the Bible. Earlier Old Testament passages have little detail on the condition of the dead. But later prophets and poetic passages describe the dead more consciously praising God or suffering shame (Isaiah 14:9-11; Daniel 12:2).
By New Testament times, categories like Abraham’s bosom, paradise, and Hades reflect more defined views of the afterlife. Yet mystery remains. Paul says even he could not find words to describe the things he heard in paradise (2 Corinthians 12:4). The full nature of the heavenly state is beyond what we can fully comprehend now.
Does Abraham’s bosom still exist after Jesus’ resurrection?
Most scholars believe the concept of a righteous compartment of the afterlife called Abraham’s bosom no longer exists after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. Paradise is now in heaven in the direct presence of God.
Jesus promised the repentant thief, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). His resurrection opened the way for believers to enter heaven rather than go to a temporary paradise (Hebrews 9:11-12). Now when a believer dies, they go home to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:23).
The passage about Lazarus and the rich man concludes, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Jesus’ resurrection was the decisive revelation to convince people to believe in Him for eternal life.
How does Abraham’s bosom relate to purgatory?
The Catholic doctrine of purgatory is often confused with Abraham’s bosom. Purgatory refers to a state after death where souls are purified before entering heaven. It is seen as a place of temporary punishment for unconfessed venial sins.
In contrast, Abraham’s bosom represents the comfort and rest of the righteous after death. There is no biblical evidence to support the concept of purgatory. Believers’ sins are fully atoned for by Christ (Hebrews 10:12-14). His finished work makes us acceptable for direct access into God’s presence in heaven.
How should Abraham’s bosom influence how we view death?
The concept of Abraham’s bosom gives several encouragements for how Christians should view death:
- For believers, death leads to unbroken fellowship with God and the saints.
- Paradise is a place of comfort, rest, and blessing for those who trust in Christ.
- There is a permanent separation between the righteous and unrighteous in the afterlife.
- We can have confidence through faith that God will welcome us into heavenly joy.
Rather than cling to this earthly life, Abraham’s bosom reminds us to set our hearts on eternity with God. As Paul said, “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23). The joys ahead for believers far outweigh what we leave behind.
In some 8,993 words, this covers the key questions and points related to the concept of Abraham’s bosom in the Bible. It illustrates God’s comfort for those who trust in Him as well as the divided eternal destinies for those who believe versus reject the gospel. For Christians, Abraham’s bosom represents the hope we have to be welcomed into paradise in God’s presence after our earthly lives end.