Cowed
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In the context of biblical literature, the term "cowed" refers to a state of being intimidated or subdued by fear or authority. While the specific term "cowed" is not directly used in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept is present in various narratives and teachings throughout the Scriptures. The Bible often addresses themes of fear, intimidation, and the response of individuals to oppressive forces, both human and spiritual.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently faced situations where they could have been cowed by their enemies. For example, in the account of the Exodus, the Israelites were initially cowed by the might of Pharaoh and the Egyptian army. However, through God's intervention, they were delivered from their oppression. Exodus 14:13-14 states, "But Moses told the people, 'Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.'"

The narrative of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 also illustrates the concept of being cowed. The Israelite army was intimidated by the Philistine giant, Goliath, until David, empowered by his faith in God, confronted and defeated him. David's courage in the face of intimidation serves as a powerful example of overcoming fear through reliance on God.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the early Christians often faced persecution and intimidation from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Despite these challenges, they were encouraged to stand firm in their faith. In Acts 4:29 , the believers prayed, "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness." This prayer reflects their desire not to be cowed by external pressures but to continue proclaiming the Gospel with courage.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently exhorted believers to remain steadfast and not be intimidated by opposition. In 2 Timothy 1:7 , Paul writes, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." This verse underscores the belief that Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome fear and intimidation.

Spiritual Warfare

The concept of being cowed also extends to spiritual warfare. Believers are reminded that their struggle is not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Ephesians 6:12-13 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand."

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of intimidation and fear, it consistently encourages believers to trust in God's power and presence. Through faith, prayer, and the support of the Christian community, individuals can overcome the temptation to be cowed by external threats and remain faithful to their calling.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(imp. & p. p.) of Cow.
Library

The Swift Decay of Love
... Some true hearts would gather about him, and carry out his commands; but he did
the real work, and, single- handed, cowed and controlled the mob. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift decay of love.htm

The Shepherd of Pella
... The bold, sure line of a Roman road divided it, cutting tyrannically through the
cowed hovels of the town as an arrow drives through a flock of pigeons. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter iii the shepherd of.htm

As the Foam Upon Water
... Only so long as he cowed them, they obeyed him; and he seemed to feel, as they seemed
to indicate, that when that thing happened which all Jerusalem ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xx as the foam.htm

Full Redemption
... On that occasion, God permitted human nature to arrive at its highest degree of
stubbornness and obstinacy; but he, nevertheless, cowed it, and overcame it. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/full redemption.htm

The Prey of the Terrible
... For weeks she was tossed about like this; then we traced her, and found her. But
she was thoroughly cowed, and dared not show the least interest in us. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter v the prey of.htm

Introduction
... The old method was to allow a colt to run wild until two or three years of age,
then "break it in." The result was apt to be either a "cowed" animal or a ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/introduction.htm

Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473.
... "I know you are right," said he, "but if I joined your ranks I should be reviled
on every hand."7 But these listeners were not to be cowed. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter v gregory the patriarch.htm

Wider Wooing.
... And the whole company, traitor, soldiers, rulers, rabble, overpowered in spirit,
fall back and then drop to the ground utterly overawed and cowed by the lone ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/wider wooing.htm

The Music of God in the Voice of Jesus.
... Great leaders have ever been noted for their eyes, before whose glance strong men
have cowed and quailed, or eagerly coveted the privilege of service. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the music of god in.htm

The Devil Acknowledges the King.
... The tempter obeys. He knows his master. He goes. Biting his teeth upon his hot spittle,
utterly cowed, he slinks away. Only one Sovereign, Jesus says. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the devil acknowledges the king.htm

Thesaurus
Cowed (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Cow. Multi-Version Concordance
Cowed (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 13:22 Because with lies ye ...
/c/cowed.htm - 6k

Cower (2 Occurrences)

/c/cower.htm - 7k

Cowards (3 Occurrences)

/c/cowards.htm - 7k

Resources
What is biblical manhood? | GotQuestions.org

What is a scarlet letter? | GotQuestions.org

Cowed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Cowed (1 Occurrence)

Ezekiel 13:22
Because with lies ye have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, and be saved alive:
(See JPS)

Subtopics

Cowed

Related Terms

Quail (5 Occurrences)

Cowed (1 Occurrence)

Cowered (1 Occurrence)

Hug (1 Occurrence)

Cowards
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