Topical Encyclopedia The term "stoop" in the Bible often conveys the idea of bending down or lowering oneself, both physically and metaphorically. It is used in various contexts to describe humility, submission, or the act of lowering oneself in reverence or service. The concept of stooping can be seen as an expression of humility and servitude, which are highly valued virtues in the biblical narrative.Physical Stooping In a literal sense, stooping is mentioned in the context of physical actions. For example, in Genesis 24:45, Rebekah is described as stooping to draw water: "Before I had finished praying in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water." This act of stooping to draw water is a common task in the ancient Near East, symbolizing service and diligence. Metaphorical Stooping Metaphorically, stooping is often associated with humility and submission. In Psalm 113:6, God is described as stooping down to look upon the heavens and the earth: "He stoops down to behold the heavens and the earth." This imagery highlights God's condescension and care for His creation, emphasizing His willingness to engage with the world He has made. Stooping in Humility and Service The act of stooping is also emblematic of humility and service, as seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In John 13:4-5, Jesus stoops to wash the feet of His disciples: "So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel that was around Him." This act of stooping to wash feet is a profound demonstration of servanthood and humility, setting an example for His followers to serve one another selflessly. Stooping in Prophecy and Judgment In prophetic literature, stooping can also be associated with judgment and the humbling of nations. Isaiah 46:1-2 speaks of the idols of Babylon stooping and bowing down: "Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low; their idols are borne by beasts of burden. The images that are carried about are burdensome, a burden for the weary. They stoop and bow down together; unable to rescue the burden, they themselves go off into captivity." Here, stooping signifies the downfall and humiliation of false gods and the nations that rely on them. Spiritual Implications Spiritually, stooping is a call to believers to adopt a posture of humility before God and others. James 4:10 exhorts, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This call to humility is a reminder that true exaltation comes from God and is often preceded by a willingness to stoop in service and submission. In summary, the concept of stooping in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings from physical actions to profound spiritual truths. It serves as a powerful symbol of humility, service, and the divine condescension of God towards humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Originally, a covered porch with seats, at a house door; the Dutch step as introduced by the Dutch into New York. Afterward, an out-of-door flight of stairs of from seven to fourteen steps, with platform and parapets, leading to an entrance door some distance above the street; the French perron. Hence, any porch, platform, entrance stairway, or small veranda, at a house door.2. (n.) A vessel of liquor; a flagon. 3. (n.) A post fixed in the earth. 4. (v. i.) To bend the upper part of the body downward and forward; to bend or lean forward; to incline forward in standing or walking; to assume habitually a bent position. 5. (v. i.) To yield; to submit; to bend, as by compulsion; to assume a position of humility or subjection. 6. (v. i.) To descend from rank or dignity; to condescend. 7. (v. i.) To come down as a hawk does on its prey; to pounce; to souse; to swoop. 8. (v. i.) To sink when on the wing; to alight. 9. (v. t.) To bend forward and downward; to bow down; as, to stoop the body. 10. (v. t.) To cause to incline downward; to slant; as, to stoop a cask of liquor. 11. (v. t.) To cause to submit; to prostrate. 12. (v. t.) To degrade. 13. (n.) The act of stooping, or bending the body forward; inclination forward; also, an habitual bend of the back and shoulders. 14. (n.) Descent, as from dignity or superiority; condescension; an act or position of humiliation. 15. (n.) The fall of a bird on its prey; a swoop. Greek 3879. parakupto -- to stoop sideways, to stoop to look ... to stoop sideways, to stoop to look. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: parakupto Phonetic Spelling: (par-ak-oop'-to) Short Definition: I stoop, peer in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3879.htm - 6k 2955. kupto -- to stoop down 4794. sugkupto -- to bend forwards, bow down Strong's Hebrew 7164. qaras -- to bend down, stoop, crouch... 7163b, 7164. qaras. 7165 . to bend down, stoop, crouch. Transliteration: qaras Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-ras') Short Definition: over. Word Origin a prim. ... stoop ... /hebrew/7164.htm - 6k 6808. tsaah -- to stoop, bend, incline 6915. qadad -- to bow down 3486. yashesh -- aged, decrepit 7817. shachach -- to bow, be bowed down, crouch 3766. kara -- to bow down 3720. kaphan -- hunger, famine 2603. chanan -- to show favor, be gracious 7812. shachah -- to bow down 5791. avath -- to be bent or crooked Library Of the Testimony in Mark. What is Meant by the Saviour's Shoes and ... The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus Men Chosen --Fallen Angels Rejected The Best of the Best Seventeenth Day. Humility. The Mission of the Son of Man Teaching Three Things in one Action. A Greater than Solomon Of the Trinity and a Christian Another Archbishop Thesaurus Stoop (10 Occurrences)... 9. (vt) To bend forward and downward; to bow down; as, to stoop the body. 10. (vt) To cause to incline downward; to slant; as, to stoop a cask of liquor. 11. ... /s/stoop.htm - 10k Crouch (7 Occurrences) Stooped (15 Occurrences) Heaviness (14 Occurrences) Untie (10 Occurrences) Unloose (4 Occurrences) Unworthy (8 Occurrences) Unfasten (4 Occurrences) Latchet (4 Occurrences) Loose (219 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about foot-washing? | GotQuestions.orgDo Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves (Matthew 10:16)? | GotQuestions.org Stoop: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stoop (10 Occurrences)Mark 1:7 Romans 11:10 1 Peter 1:12 2 Samuel 22:36 Job 9:13 Psalms 18:35 Proverbs 12:25 Ecclesiastes 12:3 Isaiah 46:2 Jeremiah 5:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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