Bosom booz'-um: In the ordinary signification of the anterior upper portion of the trunk of the body, choq or cheq, "inlet", "lap" (Exodus 4:6, Exodus 4:7, Numbers 11:12, Deuteronomy 13:6, Deuteronomy 28:54, Deuteronomy 28:56, Ruth 4:16, Psalms 74:11, Isaiah 65:6, Isaiah 65:7, Lamentations 2:12). "A present in the bosom" (Proverbs 21:14): bribes carried ready for use in the fold of the robe. chetsen = "bosom" (with special reference to that portion of the body which is between the arms), occurs in Psalms 129:7; chobh = "a cherisher," hence, "the bosom" (Job 31:33); tsallachath = something advanced or deep, "a bowl"; figurative "the bosom" (Proverbs 19:24 the King James Version; Proverbs 26:15 the King James Version). The Greek employs kolpos (Luke 6:38, John 13:23). For Abraham's bosom, see separate article.
Figurative: In a figurative sense it denotes intimacy and unrestrained intercourse (Genesis 16:5, 2 Samuel 12:8); tender care and watchfulness (Isaiah 40:11); closest intimacy and most perfect knowledge (John 1:18); "into their bosom" (Psalms 79:12) indicates the bosom as the seat of thought and reflection.
F. E. Hirsch