חֹ֫צֶן (cho.tsen)
cho.tsen
bosom
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun choṣen refers to the bosom or lap, specifically the space between the arms and chest where one might carry items close to the body. In biblical times, this was a practical place for holding small objects securely against oneself.
This word appears in only two verses, both in Nehemiah 5:3 and Isaiah 49:23. In these contexts, it describes the physical act of carrying something within one’s garment or lap, emphasizing closeness and protection. The imagery suggests intimacy and care, as items held in the bosom are kept safe and near.
The term highlights a tangible aspect of daily life, where personal space was used for both practical storage and symbolic closeness. Its limited usage underscores its specific role in conveying physical proximity and trust in these biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word choṣen refers to the bosom or lap, the space where one carries items close to the body. In ancient times, this was a practical place for holding small objects securely against oneself. The imagery suggests intimacy and care, as items held in the bosom are kept safe and near.
In Nehemiah 5:13, Nehemiah shakes out his lap to symbolize God shaking out those who break their promises. This act highlights the seriousness of keeping one’s word. In Isaiah 49:22, nations will bring children in their bosom, showing protection and care for God’s people.
Understanding choṣen helps us see how physical actions can convey deep spiritual truths. It reminds us that God values trust, safety, and closeness in our relationships with Him and others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ a bosom1×
- bosom/ my1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חָצְנִ֣/י1×
- בְּ/חֹ֔צֶן1×
Key Verses
-
Nehemiah 5:13
Also I shook out my lap, and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that doesn’t perform this promise; even may he be shaken out and emptied like this.” All the assembly said, “Amen,” and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.
Nehemiah uses his lap as a visual symbol of divine judgment against those who break their promises, emphasizing the seriousness of covenant faithfulness.
-
Isaiah 49:22
The Lord Yahweh says, “Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and lift up my banner to the peoples. They shall bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders.
The image of nations carrying children in their bosom illustrates God’s protective care and the restoration of His people through foreign aid.