Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies offers deeper insight into the meanings behind the original texts and their cultural contexts. The Greek word κόλπος (kolpos), which appears in Luke 6:38, is particularly significant because it conveys imagery that reflects ancient Near Eastern practices and beliefs. This word holds both literal and metaphorical meanings that impact the interpretation of New Testament passages. Understanding κόλπος provides a richer grasp of Biblical descriptions and metaphors, often depicting intimacy, comfort, or abundance, which were common concepts in ancient Greek and Jewish culture.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κόλπος, transliterated as kolpos [KOL-pos].

Etymology: The term κόλπος is derived from the Greek root meaning “bosom” or “lap.” In ancient Greek, it referred to the space formed by the front folds of a garment where items could be carried or where a child could be held. It could also mean a bay or gulf, highlighting the encompassing nature of the word.

Part of Speech: Noun. Kolpos is a masculine noun that belongs to the second declension. It can refer to a physical or metaphorical bosom, implying a place of closeness, comfort, or deep relationship.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Bosom or Chest: In its most basic sense, κόλπος refers to the bosom or chest, particularly the fold of a garment or the front part of the body where something or someone is held close. It can indicate a literal physical area or a space of emotional intimacy.
2. Bay or Gulf: The word also has a geographical meaning, referring to a bay or gulf, conveying the idea of something enclosed or surrounded by water, like how a bosom encloses something close to the heart.
3. Figurative Sense of Intimacy or Comfort: κόλπος is used figuratively to indicate a place of closeness and comfort, as in “the bosom of Abraham” (Luke 16:22), which symbolizes a place of comfort and rest in the afterlife.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κόλποι (kolpoi) [KOL-poy]: Plural form, referring to multiple “bosoms” or “bays.” This word can have similar meanings but applies to more than one entity or space.
2. Κόλπωμα (kolpoma) [KOL-po-ma]: A term meaning “fold” or “pocket,” often referring to the folds of a garment. This word focuses more on the physical aspect rather than the metaphorical or emotional.
3. Στέρνον (sternon) [STER-non]: Refers more specifically to the chest or breast, the physical part of the body rather than the encompassing and intimate sense conveyed by kolpos.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Kolpos is a masculine noun. It appears in both singular and plural forms and can take different cases based on its grammatical function in a sentence: nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative.

Declension: Kolpos follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns. Here is a declension table for kolpos:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word kolpos is rich in imagery and context. It appears in several contexts in Greek literature and the New Testament, depicting both literal and figurative meanings. In the New Testament, it symbolizes a place of comfort and rest, particularly in the story of Lazarus and Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22). This use underscores the intimacy of a relationship with God, conveying both proximity and protection. It also has metaphorical implications of abundance, as in Luke 6:38, where blessings are promised to be returned “into your bosom.” This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your [bosom] a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
2. John 1:18: “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the [bosom] of the Father, He has declared Him.”
3. Luke 16:22-23: “Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s [bosom]; and the rich man also died and was buried.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The word κόλπος (kolpos) carries profound meanings that bridge literal and figurative usage, from referring to a physical fold of a garment or bay to symbolizing a place of comfort, intimacy, and abundance. Its use in the New Testament deepens the theological understanding of God’s relationship with humanity, portraying closeness, protection, and divine providence.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient times, the kolpos of a garment was used as a kind of pocket where people would carry money or small items, a practice that is referenced in Luke 6:38.
2. The phrase “Abraham’s bosom” in Luke 16:22 is a unique Jewish idiom indicating a place of comfort and honor in the afterlife.
3. The word kolpos is also used in nautical contexts to describe a bay or gulf, highlighting its versatile imagery in both everyday life and poetic expressions.