Topical Encyclopedia The term "crouch" appears in the Bible primarily in the context of describing a posture of submission, humility, or readiness to attack. It is often used metaphorically to convey spiritual truths or moral lessons. The imagery of crouching can be found in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating various aspects of human behavior and divine interaction.Old Testament Usage 1. Genesis 4:7 · In the narrative of Cain and Abel, God warns Cain about the sin that is "crouching at the door." The Berean Standard Bible translates this verse as: "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must rule over it." Here, the term "crouching" is used to personify sin as a predator lying in wait, ready to pounce on Cain if he does not master it. This vivid imagery underscores the ever-present danger of sin and the need for vigilance and self-control. 2. Genesis 49:9 · In Jacob's blessing over his sons, he describes Judah as a lion: "Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?" . The crouching lion symbolizes strength, dominance, and the regal nature of Judah's lineage, which ultimately leads to the Davidic line and the Messiah. 3. Job 38:40 · In God's discourse with Job, He describes the behavior of lions: "when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket?" . This depiction of lions crouching in their dens highlights their predatory nature and serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation, including the most powerful creatures. New Testament Implications While the specific term "crouch" is not directly used in the New Testament, the concept of humility and submission, often associated with crouching, is prevalent. Believers are encouraged to adopt a posture of humility before God and others. 1. James 4:7 · "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." . The act of submission to God can be likened to a spiritual crouching, where believers humble themselves under God's mighty hand, acknowledging His authority and power. 2. 1 Peter 5:6 · "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you." . This verse calls for a posture of humility, akin to crouching, as believers trust in God's timing and providence. Theological Significance The imagery of crouching in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition and the spiritual battles faced by believers. It illustrates the tension between sin's lurking presence and the call to righteousness. The posture of crouching can represent both the threat of sin and the strength found in humility and submission to God. Through these depictions, Scripture encourages believers to remain vigilant, resist sin, and humbly submit to God's will, trusting in His ultimate authority and deliverance. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To bend down; to stoop low; to lie close to the ground with the logs bent, as an animal when waiting for prey, or in fear.2. (v. i.) To bend servilely; to stoop meanly; to fawn; to cringe. 3. (v. t.) To sign with the cross; to bless. 4. (v. t.) To bend, or cause to bend, as in humility or fear. Greek 4434. ptochos -- (of one who crouches and cowers, hence) beggarly ... ... 4434 (from , "to crouch or cower like a beggar") -- properly, bent over; (figuratively) , completely lacking resources (earthly wealth) -- ie . ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4434.htm - 8k 4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to Strong's Hebrew 7817. shachach -- to bow, be bowed down, crouch... shachach. 7818 . to bow, be bowed down, crouch. Transliteration: shachach Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-khakh') Short Definition: despair. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/7817.htm - 6k 1457. gahar -- to bend, crouch 7164. qaras -- to bend down, stoop, crouch 7257. rabats -- stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out 1794. dakah -- to crush 7812. shachah -- to bow down 3766. kara -- to bow down Library Letter C The General Conference of 1832 The General Conference of 1836 The Criminal and his Relation to Society. The General Conference of 1828 Personal Service Twenty-Fifth Day. Receiving Sinners. To Brother Raimondo of Capua at Avignon The Power and Triumph of Faith. Dan 3:06 God's Awful Power and Goodness. Thesaurus Crouch (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Crouch (7 Occurrences). ... (See NAS). Job 38:40 when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket? (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). ... /c/crouch.htm - 8k Couch (55 Occurrences) Lair (8 Occurrences) Tempt (18 Occurrences) Temptation (22 Occurrences) Thicket (9 Occurrences) Dens (10 Occurrences) Priestly (16 Occurrences) Beggarly (2 Occurrences) Crouched (4 Occurrences) Resources Is the Word of Faith movement biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)? | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.org Crouch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Crouch (7 Occurrences)Numbers 24:9 1 Samuel 2:36 Job 9:13 Job 38:40 Job 39:3 Psalms 104:22 Isaiah 10:4 Subtopics Related Terms |