חֹצֶן
𐤇𐤑𐤍
chôtsen
H2684 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A part of the human body referring specifically to the chest area or bosom, often as the space enclosed by the arms when folded or embraced. The term can denote the lap (the area between the waist and knees when seated) or the fold of the garment overlaying this area. In some contexts, it can refer metaphorically to one's close possession or care (e.g., carrying in the bosom).
Semantic Range
bosom, chest area, lap, fold of the garment, area enclosed by the arms, care or possession when carried close
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root חצן, likely related to or an alternative form of חֵצֶן (cheytsen), which is itself of uncertain root origin. Both are rare terms, most probably originating from a root meaning 'to enclose' or 'to gird', though this is not definitively attested elsewhere in biblical Hebrew. The form חֹצֶן (chôtsen) serves as a concrete noun indicating a part of the body.
Historical & Contextual Notes
חֹצֶן appears only once in the Hebrew Bible (Isaiah 49:22), where it is used of nations carrying Israelite children 'in their bosom.' The sense is of the area upon which one carries a child or an object close to the chest, implying protection, nurturing, or close custody. The term does not necessarily carry an emotional or metaphorical sense on its own, but the context may suggest warmth or intimacy. Related terms include חֵצֶן (cheytsen), which is essentially synonymous though equally rare. More common terms for 'bosom' or 'lap' in biblical Hebrew include חֵיק (cheq), which more frequently appears in familial or metaphorical language. English translations usually render חֹצֶן as 'bosom' or 'lap,' but the semantic overlap with 'fold of the garment' or 'embracing arms' should be noted. The word is context-dependent and not always distinguished sharply from חֵיק in translation. In post-biblical Hebrew, the root is not productive.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a collateral form of חֵצֶן, and meaning the same; {the bosom (as comprised between the arms)}; arm, lap.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
חצן (ḥ-ṣ-n) — to gird, to enclose, to contain
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2683 | חֵצֶן | his bosom |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2684-02 |
חָצְנִ֣/י | chatseni | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
lap-of-me | my bosom | 1 |
H2684-01 |
בְּ/חֹ֔צֶן | bechotsen | HR/Ncmsa |
in-bosom | enclosed bosom | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2684-01 |
Isaiah 49:22 | בְּ/חֹ֔צֶן | bechotsen | HR/Ncmsa |
in-bosom | enclosed bosom |
H2684-02 |
Nehemiah 5:13 | חָצְנִ֣/י | chatseni | HNcmsc/Sp1cs |
lap-of-me | my bosom |