The term "croucheth" is an archaic English word that is often associated with the act of crouching or lying low, typically in a position of submission or readiness to spring. In the context of the Bible, this term is most notably found in older translations, such as the King James Version, and is used to describe the posture or behavior of animals or individuals in a state of anticipation or humility.

Biblical Context:

The concept of crouching is vividly illustrated in Genesis 4:7, where God speaks to Cain after his offering is rejected. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage 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 imagery of sin "crouching" at the door conveys the idea of sin lying in wait, ready to pounce and take control if not actively resisted. This portrayal emphasizes the ever-present danger of sin and the need for vigilance and self-control.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In a broader symbolic sense, the act of crouching can represent a state of readiness or anticipation. It can also imply submission or humility, as seen in various biblical narratives where individuals bow or lower themselves in the presence of God or authority figures. The imagery of crouching is often used to convey the tension between potential action and restraint, highlighting the importance of moral choice and the consequences of yielding to temptation.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of "croucheth" in the context of sin underscores the doctrine of original sin and the inherent sinful nature of humanity. It serves as a reminder of the constant spiritual battle faced by believers, who must remain vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome the temptations that lie in wait. The passage in Genesis 4:7 also reflects the theme of personal responsibility and the power of free will, as God instructs Cain to master the sin that desires to control him.

Related Concepts:

The imagery of crouching is also related to the depiction of Satan as a prowling adversary. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are warned: "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This parallel reinforces the idea of spiritual vigilance and the need to resist the devil's schemes.

In summary, the term "croucheth" and its associated imagery in the Bible serve as a powerful metaphor for the lurking presence of sin and the necessity of spiritual alertness and moral integrity. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to recognize the subtle dangers that crouch at the door of their hearts and to exercise dominion over sin through the grace and strength provided by God.

What Crouches at the Door
... 'If thou doest not well, sin croucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be
his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.'"Genesis 4:7 (RV). ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/what crouches at the door.htm

Psalm 10
... his prey he doth him make. ^10Himself he humbleth very low,. he croucheth down withal,.
That so a multitude of poor. may by his strong ones fall. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 10.htm

David's Dying Song
... We love not an evil beast abroad, but we hate the lion most when it prowls upon
our own estates, or croucheth on the floor of our dwelling. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/davids dying song.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... The words, "He stoopeth down, he croucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion;
who shall rouse him up?" contain a transition and allusion to what we are ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

Lions Lacking --But the Children Satisfied
... When he comes, the lion croucheth down, with wild eyes looks upon him, and in a
moment, ere the antelope is aware, he is in the fangs of the lion. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/lions lackingbut the children satisfied.htm

The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
... He is in a hurry, and doth things ill. The man full of joy within is quiet, he
bides his time and croucheth in the fulness of his strength. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the joy of the lord.htm

2 Cor. Iii. 7, 8
... If again he have beheld some comely damsel, down he croucheth at once made captive,
and followeth like a raging dog, though it behoveth to do the opposite. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily vii 2 cor iii.htm

Chapter xlix
... follow "blessings of the deep," ie tehom, the deep source of the subterranean waters,
which is pictured as a being "that coucheth (or croucheth) beneath" the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlix.htm

Croucheth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Croucheth (2 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth,
and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. ...
/c/croucheth.htm - 6k

Crouches (3 Occurrences)
... causeth him to arise? (See NIV). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down,
and the helpless fall into his mighty claws. (See NAS). ...
/c/crouches.htm - 7k

Crouching (8 Occurrences)

/c/crouching.htm - 9k

Wretched (14 Occurrences)
... for the wretched. (DBY). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down, that
the wretched may fall by his strong ones. (DBY). Psalms 10 ...
/w/wretched.htm - 10k

Burneth (67 Occurrences)
... Numbers 22:27 and the ass seeth the messenger of Jehovah, and croucheth under Balaam,
and the anger of Balaam burneth, and he smiteth the ass with a staff. ...
/b/burneth.htm - 28k

Bows (28 Occurrences)
... bowing themselves. (See NAS). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down, and
the helpless fall into his mighty claws. (See NAS). Psalms ...
/b/bows.htm - 15k

Claws (5 Occurrences)
... ye shall eat. (KJV WBS). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down, And the
helpless fall by his strong ones. (See JPS). Daniel 4:33 ...
/c/claws.htm - 8k

Smiteth (156 Occurrences)
... Numbers 22:27 and the ass seeth the messenger of Jehovah, and croucheth under Balaam,
and the anger of Balaam burneth, and he smiteth the ass with a staff. ...
/s/smiteth.htm - 38k

Boweth (53 Occurrences)
... serveth them. (YLT). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down, And the helpless
fall by his strong ones. (ASV DBY JPS YLT). Proverbs ...
/b/boweth.htm - 22k

Falls (79 Occurrences)
... he made. (See RSV NIV). Psalms 10:10 He croucheth, he boweth down, and
the helpless fall into his mighty claws. (See RSV). Psalms ...
/f/falls.htm - 28k

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