In biblical times, the concept of a crutch as we understand it today—a device used to aid mobility for those with physical impairments—does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the idea of support, both physical and spiritual, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. The crutch can be seen as a metaphor for reliance on God and His provision in times of weakness or need.

Symbolism of Support and Reliance

The Bible frequently uses imagery of support and reliance, which can be likened to the function of a crutch. In Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse highlights God's role as a divine support, much like a crutch provides physical support to those who are weak or injured.

Dependence on God

The notion of depending on God rather than on human strength or understanding is a central biblical principle. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Here, the idea of "leaning" suggests reliance, akin to leaning on a crutch for stability and guidance.

Healing and Restoration

While the Bible does not mention crutches specifically, it does speak extensively about healing and restoration, both physically and spiritually. Jesus' ministry was marked by miraculous healings, as seen in Matthew 15:30 : "Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them." These acts of healing eliminated the need for physical aids, symbolizing the complete restoration found in Christ.

Spiritual Weakness and God's Strength

The Apostle Paul speaks of his own weaknesses and the sufficiency of God's grace in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 : "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." This passage underscores the idea that in our spiritual frailty, God's strength becomes our support, much like a crutch supports the physically weak.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly reference crutches, the themes of support, reliance, and divine strength resonate throughout its pages. The metaphorical use of a crutch can serve as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God for strength and guidance in all aspects of life.1. (n.) A staff with a crosspiece at the head, to be placed under the arm or shoulder, to support the lame or infirm in walking.

2. (n.) A form of pommel for a woman's saddle, consisting of a forked rest to hold the leg of the rider.

3. (n.) A knee, or piece of knee timber

4. (n.) A forked stanchion or post; a crotch. See Crotch.

5. (v. t.) To support on crutches; to prop up.

6418. pelek -- whorl of a spindle, a district
... distaff, participle. From an unused root meaning to be round; a circuit (ie District);
also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch -- (di-)staff, participle. ...
/hebrew/6418.htm - 6k

The Cardinal was Still in his Room Alone with the Boy Manuel...
... with him now.". Little Fabien Doucet, leaning on his crutch, looked up with
interest. "Is he lame like me?" he asked. "No, child," replied ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/vi the cardinal was still.htm

Answers to Prayer
... together irregularly. Her hip-joint was stiff, so that she was never able
to walk without the support of a cane or crutch. For eight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Mystery of Personality
... While it was inevitable that some people should use him as a crutch or should let
him do their climbing for them, the truth of the matter is that he was a ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the mystery of personality.htm

Cast Your Eye Round the Room in which You Sit...
... post, partly to balance with like a balancing pole, partly to trifle with like a
cigarette, partly to kill with like a club of a giant; it is a crutch and a ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 17 cast your eye.htm

Spirit Alchemy.
... explaining things. Yet in the light of the recited facts the answer seems
rather lame. It needs a crutch to steady it up. He said ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on service/spirit alchemy.htm

Practical Observations.
... two thousand cubits on the Sabbath, to kill the most offensive kinds of vermin,
to write two letters of the alphabet, to use a wooden leg or a crutch, to carry ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/practical observations 10.htm

The Red Shoes
... By the church door stood an old invalid soldier with a crutch and a long beard;
the beard was rather red than white, for it was red altogether; and he bowed ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the red shoes.htm

Pilgrims of the Victorious Life
... Here is a true story. Mrs. B"" is a cripple woman who walks with a crutch.
Years ago she was converted and later was wholly sanctified. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter thirteen pilgrims of the.htm

"He Has Trusted Me," Said the Cardinal, -- "I have Found Him...
... with a bent spine, and one useless leg which hung limply from his body, while he
could scarcely hobble about on the other, even with the aid of a crutch. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/v he has trusted me.htm

Of Scoffing and Derision.
... 4. But alas, many of us would rather put a stumbling block in the way of the Blind,
pull away the Crutch from the Lame, that we may sport ourselves to see them ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section vii of scoffing and.htm

Crutch (1 Occurrence)
... up. Multi-Version Concordance Crutch (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 3:29 Let it
fall on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house. ...
/c/crutch.htm - 7k

Potent (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A prince; a potentate. 5. (n.) A staff or crutch. 6. (n.) One of
the furs; a surface composed of patches which are supposed ...
/p/potent.htm - 7k

Crust (3 Occurrences)

/c/crust.htm - 8k

Cry (431 Occurrences)

/c/cry.htm - 46k

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