The term "prowl" is often associated with stealthy or secretive movement, typically with the intent to hunt or seek something. In the context of the Bible, the concept of prowling is frequently linked to the actions of adversaries, both human and spiritual, who seek to cause harm or lead believers astray.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Peter 5:8 · "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
This verse vividly illustrates the devil's relentless pursuit of believers, likening him to a lion on the hunt. The imagery of prowling emphasizes the danger and cunning nature of the devil, urging Christians to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

2. Job 1:7 · "The LORD said to Satan, 'From where have you come?' Satan answered the LORD, 'From roaming through the earth and walking back and forth on it.'"
While the term "prowl" is not explicitly used here, the description of Satan's movement across the earth conveys a similar sense of restlessness and intent to observe or influence human affairs. This passage underscores the adversarial role of Satan as he seeks opportunities to challenge the faithfulness of God's people.

3. Psalm 10:9 · "He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the oppressed when he draws them into his net."
Although the word "prowl" is not directly mentioned, the imagery of lurking and lying in wait parallels the concept. This verse describes the wicked as predators, preying on the vulnerable and oppressed, highlighting the need for divine justice and protection.

Theological Implications:

The notion of prowling in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for the spiritual warfare that believers face. It reflects the constant vigilance required to resist the temptations and attacks of the enemy. The devil's prowling is a reminder of the spiritual reality that Christians must navigate, emphasizing the importance of prayer, discernment, and reliance on God's strength.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to be "sober-minded and alert" (1 Peter 5:8), recognizing the subtle and persistent nature of spiritual threats. This involves cultivating a strong relationship with God through prayer, studying Scripture, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. By doing so, Christians can stand firm against the prowling adversary and remain faithful to their calling in Christ.

Related Concepts:

· Spiritual Warfare: The ongoing battle between good and evil, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) to withstand the devil's schemes.
· Vigilance: The practice of being watchful and alert to spiritual dangers, as exemplified by Jesus' admonition to "watch and pray" (Matthew 26:41).
· Protection: The assurance of God's protection for His people, as seen in promises like Psalm 91:4, where God is described as a refuge and fortress.

In summary, the concept of prowling in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual vigilance required to navigate the challenges of faith, underscoring the need for reliance on God's strength and wisdom.1. (v. t.) To rove over, through, or about in a stealthy manner; esp., to search in, as for prey or booty.

2. (v. t.) To collect by plunder; as, to prowl money.

3. (v. i.) To rove or wander stealthily, esp. for prey, as a wild beast; hence, to prey; to plunder.

4. (n.) The act of prowling.

1980. halak -- to go, come, walk
... forth (1), parades (1), passes (1), passing (1), patrol (2), patrolled (2), pressed
heavier (1), proceed (2), proceed* (1), proceeded (4), prowl (1), prowled (1 ...
/hebrew/1980.htm - 8k

7430. ramas -- to creep, move lightly, move about
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to creep, move lightly, move about NASB Word
Usage creep (1), creeps (7), moved (1), moves (6), prowl about (1), swarm (1). ...
/hebrew/7430.htm - 6k

Stichera for the Second Week of the Great Fast.
... Christian! dost thou see them. On the holy ground,. How the troops of Midian. Prowl
and prowl around? Christian! up and smite them,. Counting gain but loss: ...
/.../neale/hymns of the eastern church/stichera for the second week.htm

Of the Crimes of the Wicked, and the Torture Inflicted on the ...
... "Like gaunt wolves rushing from their den,. Whom lawless hunger's sullen growl.
Drives forth into the night to prowl." [983]. But these ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the crimes of.htm

Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. )
... So a lion from the jungle shall smite them, 6 A wolf of the waste destroy, The leopard
shall prowl round their towns, All faring forth shall be torn. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/2 oracles on the scythians.htm

The Prophet --His Youth and his Call.
... A lion from the jungle shall smite, A wolf from the wastes undo them, The leopard
shall prowl round their towns, All faring forth shall be torn. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/lecture iii the prophethis youth.htm

Matt. x. 16
... upon our enemies. For so long as we are sheep, we conquer: though ten thousand
wolves prowl around, we overcome and prevail. But if ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxxiii matt x 16.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... forth, some of them to beg their bread, some of them to serve under the banners
of Don Carlos in Spain, and many, as I have been informed, to prowl about as ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 3.htm

There was True Justice under Saturnus, but it was Banished by ...
... the whole world? "He gave to the black serpents their noxious poison,. And
ordered wolves to prowl;" [969]. that is, he introduced ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap v there was true justice.htm

Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... How the troops of Midian. Prowl and prowl around? So wrote Neale. Barrett found
the reference to Midian, and (we may suspect) the word prowl', rather grotesque. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/some hymns and hymn-books.htm

The Children and the Dogs
... He might have used an epithet suitable for those fierce creatures which prowl through
Eastern streets at night without any master, living upon refuse, a peril ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 7 24-30 the children and.htm

2 Timothy iii. 7-Jan
... Death would only the more certainly overtake thee, when there were none to prepare
bread or till the earth for thee; wild beasts would prowl around, and the ...
/.../homily vii 2 timothy iii.htm

Prowl (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To collect by plunder; as, to prowl money. 3. (vi) To rove or wander
stealthily, esp. ... Multi-Version Concordance Prowl (6 Occurrences). ...
/p/prowl.htm - 8k

Prowling (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prowl. 2. (a.) Accustomed to prowl, or engaged in roving
stealthily, as for prey. Multi-Version Concordance Prowling (3 Occurrences). ...
/p/prowling.htm - 7k

Owl (11 Occurrences)
... habits. 2. (n.) A variety of the domestic pigeon. 3. (vi) To pry about;
to prowl. 4. (vi) To carry wool or sheep out of England. ...
/o/owl.htm - 18k

Prowled (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Prowl. Multi-Version Concordance
Prowled (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 19:6 He went up and down ...
/p/prowled.htm - 7k

Prow (2 Occurrences)

/p/prow.htm - 7k

Snarling (5 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Psalms 59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the
city. (See NIV). Psalms 59:7 Behold, they spew with their mouth. ...
/s/snarling.htm - 7k

Abuse (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Psalms 55:10 Day and night they prowl around
on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within her. (WEB NIV). ...
/a/abuse.htm - 13k

Dogs (30 Occurrences)
... of the dog. (See NIV). Psalms 59:6 They return at evening, howling like dogs,
and prowl around the city. (WEB RSV NIV). Psalms 59:14 ...
/d/dogs.htm - 15k

Malice (24 Occurrences)
... Psalms 41:5 My enemies speak evil against me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
(See RSV NIV). Psalms 55:10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. ...
/m/malice.htm - 15k

Dog (19 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 59:6 They return
at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city. ...
/d/dog.htm - 20k

What is Lectio Divina? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org

Prowl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus