No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him (John 1:18 KJV)

The phrase “the bosom of the Father” is an idiom symbolizing closeness in a relationship. This concept offers insights into our daily walk with the Lord. To illustrate this, let’s consider the relationship between a child and a parent. The child often rests in the parent’s chest, close to their heart, signifying safety and deep affection. This powerful symbolism mirrors our spiritual place in the bosom of the Father.

Digging deeper, the Greek word for bosom, “kolphon,” is literal in its definition. It denotes a person’s chest or breast—the curvature and hollow body area between the arms, irrespective of gender. From this definition, two important implications arise. Firstly, the bosom serves as a space that can contain someone. In biblical times, individuals often reclined in the bosom of those they cherished during feasts (John 13:23). Secondly, and of critical significance, the bosom is near to the heart.

We discover a figurative use of the term “bosom” in John 1:18. This usage sheds light on the relationship between Jesus as God the Word and the Father. The bosom of the Father symbolizes the eternal relationship of love, intimacy, and personal knowledge between the Father and the Son. Furthermore, Jesus accomplished His mission of revealing the Father, not from extensive scripture studies, but from intimately knowing God through the closest eternal relationship possible.

Where Jesus is, there we are also (John 14:3). He has brought us into this intimate space, into the bosom of the Father. His desire is for us to live and minister from this place, rooted in a relationship of love, intimacy, and closeness with the Father.

Meditate

 What does being in the bosom of the Father mean for your spiritual life?

Apply the Word

Remember that at the new birth, you were brought into the bosom of the Father(close relationship). Our challenge, then, is to live daily from that bosom. Strive daily to dwell in that bosom, walking closely with the Father. 

Prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you become a person of the Father’s bosom, fully immersing yourself in His love and closeness daily.

Recommended

• Three Circles of Intimacy With God
• Building intimacy with the Holy Spirit through Fellowship
• What is Koinonia?
• How a Relationship With God Changes Everything
• What is a Devotional?
• View All Deshen Daily Devotionals

Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing