Knee-deep
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The term "knee-deep" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of depth, particularly in relation to water, is present in various scriptural passages. The imagery of being knee-deep can symbolize a significant but manageable level of immersion or involvement, often used metaphorically to describe spiritual or physical experiences.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

1. Ezekiel's Vision of the River: One of the most illustrative passages related to varying depths of water is found in Ezekiel 47:3-5. In this vision, the prophet Ezekiel is led by a man through water that progressively deepens. Initially, the water reaches his ankles, then his knees, and eventually becomes a river that cannot be crossed on foot. The knee-deep stage represents a deeper engagement with the life-giving waters flowing from the temple, symbolizing spiritual growth and the increasing influence of God's presence in one's life.

Ezekiel 47:4 : "Then he measured a thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through water that was waist-deep."

2. Symbol of Commitment and Faith: Being knee-deep can also symbolize a level of commitment and faith that goes beyond superficial engagement. It suggests a willingness to wade into the challenges and blessings of a life of faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance. This depth signifies a readiness to move beyond initial steps of faith (ankle-deep) into a more profound relationship with God.

3. Metaphor for Trials and Perseverance: In a broader sense, knee-deep waters can represent trials and challenges that believers face. These are situations that require perseverance and reliance on God's strength. The imagery of being knee-deep in difficulties suggests that while the challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable with God's help.

4. Spiritual Maturity: The progression from ankle-deep to knee-deep water can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual maturity. As believers grow in their faith, they are called to deeper levels of understanding and commitment. Knee-deep involvement indicates a stage where one's faith is being tested and strengthened, preparing them for even greater depths of spiritual experience.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the concept of being knee-deep can encourage believers to assess their level of spiritual engagement. It challenges individuals to move beyond surface-level faith and to immerse themselves more fully in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This involves a commitment to prayer, study of the Scriptures, and active participation in the life of the church.

The imagery of knee-deep water serves as a reminder that while the journey of faith may involve challenges, it is also an opportunity for growth and deeper communion with God. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises and to continue moving forward, knowing that He is with them every step of the way.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (a.) Rising to the knees; knee-high; as, water or snow knee-deep.

2. (a.) Sunk to the knees; as, men knee-deep in water.

Library

The River of Life
... a thousand cubits"about a quarter of a mile"and the waters were ankle-deep another
thousand, making half a mile from the start, and the water was knee-deep ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

Life in the Villages
... the great tanks of lotus bloom to the edge of the swift, shallow river, where my
servant stripped off his shoes and socks to lead my donkey knee-deep over the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

A March
... Dreary East winds howling o'er us; Clay-lands knee-deep spread before us; Mire and
ice and snow and sleet; Aching backs and frozen feet; Knees which reel as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/a march.htm

Samson Conquered
... Those were foul times; but they promised they would walk the road fair or foul,
and they did walk it knee deep in mud; and they would have walked it if it had ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/samson conquered.htm

The First Disciples: iii. Philip
... The shepherd goes out on the mountain side, for all the storm and the snow, and
wades knee-deep through the drifts until he finds the sheep. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the first disciples iii philip.htm

The Great Revival
... "Let it always be there," you say; "Let it always be knee-deep." Did not your
grandfather go through it when it was knee deep with mud, and why should not you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the great revival.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... Palm and tamarisk, acacia and rose-shrub, jasmine and purple mimosa made a
multi-tinted jungle about a shadowy pool in which a white heron stood knee-deep. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

The Feast of the Lord
... It may be knee-deep in trouble, but it is all on the road; we may be ancle-deep
in fear, but it is going home; I may stumble, but I always stumble homewards. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the feast of the lord.htm

Fresh Supplies of Power.
... begins with a few strings of water trickling out from under the door-step of the
temple, and rises gradually but steadily ankle-deep, knee-deep, loin-deep, over ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/fresh supplies of power.htm

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
... flood all heaven with delight. The streets of Paradise run knee-deep with
the heavenly waters of the Saviour's joy. They flow out of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/the parable of the lost.htm

Thesaurus
Knee-deep (1 Occurrence)
Knee-deep. Knee, Knee-deep. Kneel . Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.)
Rising to the knees; knee-high; as, water or snow knee-deep. ...
/k/knee-deep.htm - 6k

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

/k/kneel.htm - 11k

Knee (12 Occurrences)

/k/knee.htm - 12k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... Hermon, through snow knee-deep for our horses, we descended below the clouds and
the snow to the brink of the eastern mountain wall overlooking the upper ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Jordan (188 Occurrences)
... Hermon, through snow knee-deep for our horses, we descended below the clouds and
the snow to the brink of the eastern mountain wall overlooking the upper ...
/j/jordan.htm - 70k

Resources
What does it mean that deep calls to deep (Psalm 42:7)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean and when will it happen that every knee shall bow? | GotQuestions.org

What is spiritual darkness? | GotQuestions.org

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