The term "scrawny" is often used to describe something that is thin, lean, or lacking in flesh. In the context of the Bible, it can be associated with weakness, lack of nourishment, or a state of being that is less than ideal. The imagery of scrawniness is used in various passages to convey spiritual or physical conditions that are undesirable or in need of divine intervention.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 41:19-21 : In Pharaoh's dream, as interpreted by Joseph, the imagery of scrawny cows is used to symbolize a period of famine. "After them, seven other cows came up, scrawny and very ugly and lean, such as I had never seen in all the land of Egypt. And the lean, ugly cows devoured the seven well-fed cows that came up first. When they had devoured them, no one could tell that they had done so, for they looked just as ugly as before. Then I awoke." This passage highlights the contrast between abundance and scarcity, with the scrawny cows representing a time of severe lack and hardship.

2. Isaiah 17:4 : The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of scrawniness to describe the diminishing glory of Jacob. "In that day the glory of Jacob will fade, and the fat of his body will waste away." Here, the idea of scrawniness is metaphorically applied to the spiritual and national decline of Israel, indicating a loss of strength and prosperity.

3. Ezekiel 34:20 : In the context of God's judgment against the shepherds of Israel, the Lord speaks of the fat and the lean sheep. "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says to them: 'Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.'" The lean or scrawny sheep symbolize those who have been neglected and oppressed, contrasting with the well-fed sheep that represent those who have unjustly prospered at the expense of others.

Theological Implications:

In the biblical narrative, scrawniness often serves as a metaphor for spiritual impoverishment or moral decline. It is a condition that calls for divine intervention, whether through judgment, as seen in the prophetic books, or through deliverance, as in the account of Joseph. The imagery of scrawniness underscores the need for reliance on God for sustenance and strength, both physically and spiritually.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of scrawniness can serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual nourishment. Just as physical scrawniness indicates a lack of food, spiritual scrawniness points to a deficiency in one's relationship with God. Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other believers are essential for maintaining spiritual health and avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual leanness.

In summary, the biblical use of the term "scrawny" provides a vivid picture of lack and need, whether in the physical realm or the spiritual. It calls believers to seek God's provision and to be mindful of their spiritual condition, ensuring that they are not spiritually malnourished but are thriving in their faith.(a.) Meager; thin; rawboned; bony; scranny.

Continues to Evangelize. Dr. Cook's Prescription. Incident at ...
... I used to be a little, scrawny, sallow, nervous, overworked thing like you are,
but I saw it was going to kill me, and I quit it and went to laughing, and now ...
/.../chapter xvi continues to evangelize.htm

Scrawny (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Meager; thin; rawboned; bony; scranny.
Multi-Version Concordance Scrawny (1 Occurrence). Genesis 41 ...
/s/scrawny.htm - 6k

Scream (1 Occurrence)

/s/scream.htm - 7k

Scratched (1 Occurrence)

/s/scratched.htm - 6k

Scrawny: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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