ABRAHAM'S BOSOM

In Luke 16:19–31, the term “Abraham’s bosom” or “Abraham’s side” appears. What exactly is this place? Some believe it refers to the unseen realm of the dead before they go either to heaven or to hell. Others say it is a specific location for the righteous dead prior to their resurrection or before entering heaven. Still others mistakenly link Abraham’s bosom to purgatory—a fictitious state or place for departed believers. Although there are many valid views on this subject (and we are free to hold our own opinion), some positions are more reasonable than others. Here is my perspective.

LET PARABLES BE PARABLES

First of all, we should note that the story of Lazarus, where Abraham’s bosom is mentioned, is a parable and must be treated as such. When interpreting this kind of passage, one thing we must avoid is “pressing parables for doctrinal precision.” In other words, we should not treat every detail of a parable as if it carries exact theological concepts or teaches systematic doctrine. Parables are intended as sermon illustrations.

PARABLES REFLECT FAMILIAR IDEAS

Ancient people viewed death as joining their ancestors (Genesis 15:15; 25:8; 35:29; 49:33; Psalm 49:19, etc.). There was also a common Jewish belief that the righteous would be welcomed by their patriarchs—particularly Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (4 Maccabees 13:17; compare Matthew 8:11; Luke 13:28). In their culture, to be in someone’s bosom expressed honor and close fellowship. The image of Lazarus at Abraham’s side evokes a banquet scene where a guest reclines beside another. Remember that John, the beloved disciple, also leaned on Jesus’ chest while eating (John 13:23), and Jesus Himself is described as coming from the bosom of the Father (John 1:18). Jewish stories and art often depicted angels escorting the righteous after death. The story of Lazarus clearly draws on the common Jewish understanding of the afterlife, where the righteous enter paradise with their forefathers.

ABRAHAM’S BOSOM: BLESSED DESTINATION

Because this is part of a parable, we cannot use it to claim there is a literal place called Abraham’s bosom distinct from heaven. Likewise, we should not insist there is an actual chasm (Luke 16:26) separating two destinations where people can see one another across the divide. What, then, does Abraham’s side signify? It indicates a believer’s blessed destination after death—a Jewish picture of heaven, a heavenly banquet with the ancestors. Abraham himself entered the kingdom of God after his death (see Luke 13:28). The kingdom of God, or kingdom of heaven, is viewed as paradise. When Paul was caught up to heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2), he said he was taken to paradise (v. 4). After His earthly ministry, Jesus ascended to heaven (Mark 16:19; 1 Peter 3:22), so His promise to the repentant thief that “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) points to heaven, where Christ would soon go.

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Whether one calls it Abraham’s bosom, paradise, or heaven, we can be sure that a state of eternal joy awaits those who are in Christ after this life. Christ Himself promised that He is preparing a place for us (John 14:2–3). Only by trusting His words can we truly say, “To die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Stay Curious.

Sources and Studies:

Walton J. and, Craig K. (2016). “See footnotes for Luke 16:19-31”. 𝘕𝘐𝘝 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘺 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦. (p.1782-1783 ). Zondervan Publishing.

Heiser, M. S., Stricklin, T., & Bass, J. (2022, September 3). Naked Bible Podcast Episode 441: The Afterlife, Part 2 [Transcript]. Naked Bible Podcast. https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/NB-441-Transcript.pdf (nakedbiblepodcast.com)