Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "paw" is primarily associated with animals, particularly those that are considered wild or predatory. The word "paw" is used to describe the foot of certain animals, often highlighting their strength, ferocity, or the danger they pose. The imagery of a paw can be found in various passages, serving as a metaphor for power and sometimes for divine protection or deliverance.Biblical References: 1. 1 Samuel 17:37 : In this passage, David recounts his experiences as a shepherd, where he faced and defeated both a lion and a bear. He states, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." Here, the "paw" symbolizes the threat and danger posed by these wild animals, and David's deliverance from them is attributed to the LORD's protection and intervention. This verse underscores the theme of divine deliverance and the faithfulness of God in rescuing His people from peril. 2. Job 10:16 : Job, in his lament, uses the imagery of a lion's paw to describe his suffering and the overwhelming nature of his afflictions. He says, "If I hold my head high, You hunt me like a lion and again display Your power against me." The "paw" here is emblematic of the relentless and powerful nature of his trials, which he perceives as being orchestrated by God. This usage highlights the intensity of Job's suffering and his struggle to understand the reasons behind it. 3. Proverbs 30:30 : The lion is described as "mighty among beasts and does not retreat before any." While the term "paw" is not explicitly mentioned, the reference to the lion's might and fearlessness can be associated with the strength and dominance of its paws. This proverb emphasizes the lion's position as a symbol of courage and power, qualities that are often admired and respected. Symbolism and Themes: · Strength and Power: The paw, particularly of a lion or bear, is a symbol of strength and power. In biblical times, these animals were seen as formidable creatures, and their paws represented their ability to capture and subdue prey. This imagery is used to convey the might of God in delivering His people from danger, as seen in David's testimony. · Divine Protection: The deliverance from the paw of a lion or bear, as experienced by David, serves as a metaphor for God's protection over His people. It illustrates the belief that God is capable of saving His followers from even the most perilous situations. · Judgment and Suffering: In the book of Job, the paw of a lion is used metaphorically to describe the intensity of Job's suffering. This reflects the theme of divine judgment and the mysterious ways in which God allows trials to test and refine the faith of His servants. In summary, the concept of the "paw" in the Bible is rich with symbolism, often representing strength, danger, and divine intervention. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the challenges faced by believers and the assurance of God's deliverance and protection. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The foot of a quadruped having claws, as the lion, dog, cat, etc.2. (n.) The hand. 3. (v. i.) To draw the forefoot along the ground; to beat or scrape with the forefoot. 4. (v. t.) To pass the paw over; to stroke or handle with the paws; hence, to handle fondly or rudely. 5. (v. t.) To scrape or beat with the forefoot. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PAWpo (kaph, literally, "palm," yadh, literally, "hand"): The former (kaph) is applied to the soft paws of animals in contradistinction to the hoofs (Leviticus 11:27); the latter is thrice used in 1 Samuel 17:37: "Yahweh that delivered me out of the paw (yadh) of the lion, and out of the paw (yadh) of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand (yadh) of this Philistine." The verb "to paw" (chaphar) is found in the description of the horse: "He paweth (margin "they paw") in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength: he goeth out to meet the armed men (margin, "the weapons")" (Job 39:21). The word is usually translated "to delve into," "to pry into," "to explore." Strong's Hebrew 6412. paliyt -- escaped one, fugitive... 6411, 6412. paliyt. 6412a . escaped one, fugitive. Transliteration: paliyt Phonetic Spelling: (paw-leet') Short Definition: escaped. that have escaped fugitive ... /hebrew/6412.htm - 5k 3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ... 2658. chaphar -- to dig, search for 6464. Pau -- a place in Edom 6443. peninim -- corals 6440. panim -- face, faces 6308. pada -- perhaps deliver 6338. pazaz -- to be refined 6302. paduwy -- that are to be that were redeemed 6511. Parah -- a place in Benjamin Library Scriptural Uses of the General Words for Prayer The Wordless Book Centenary Commemoration David and Goliath. The Power of a Pebble. The victory of Unarmed Faith David's victory Over the Giant Of the Most Holy Miracle of St Francis in Taming the Fierce Wolf ... The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) The Shout of Faith Thesaurus Paw (4 Occurrences)... 4. (vt) To pass the paw over; to stroke or handle with the paws; hence, to handle fondly or rudely. 5. (vt) To scrape or beat with the forefoot. Int. ...PAW. ... /p/paw.htm - 8k Philistine (63 Occurrences) Lion (92 Occurrences) Rescuer (1 Occurrence) Pavilions (3 Occurrences) Paweth (1 Occurrence) Palm (49 Occurrences) Scrabble Doer (25 Occurrences) Deliverer (29 Occurrences) Resources Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow could David be considered a man after God's own heart? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about bravery / being brave? | GotQuestions.org Paw: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Paw (4 Occurrences)1 Samuel 17:37 2 Samuel 14:16 Psalms 22:20 Daniel 6:27 Subtopics Related Terms |
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