Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "stoops" is often associated with humility, submission, and the act of lowering oneself physically or metaphorically. The concept of stooping is rich with spiritual significance, reflecting attitudes of reverence, service, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.Biblical References: 1. Humility and Submission: The act of stooping is frequently used to symbolize humility and submission before God. In the Bible, humility is a virtue that is highly esteemed, and stooping can be seen as a physical manifestation of this inner attitude. James 4:10 states, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This verse underscores the principle that lowering oneself in humility before God leads to exaltation by Him. 2. Service and Sacrifice: Stooping is also associated with service and the willingness to lower oneself for the benefit of others. Jesus Christ exemplified this attitude in John 13:4-5 , where He 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 serve illustrates the call to selfless service and the importance of humility in leadership. 3. Worship and Reverence: In the context of worship, stooping can be an expression of reverence and awe before the divine. Psalm 95:6 invites believers to worship with a posture of humility: "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Here, stooping is an act of worship, acknowledging God's majesty and our dependence on Him. 4. Contrition and Repentance: Stooping can also be a posture of contrition and repentance. In the account of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:21 , the son returns to his father with a heart of repentance, saying, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." Though the text does not explicitly mention stooping, the son's attitude reflects the humility and contrition often associated with this posture. Theological Implications: The act of stooping, whether literal or figurative, carries profound theological implications. It is a reminder of the Christian call to humility, service, and worship. Stooping reflects the believer's recognition of God's authority and the willingness to submit to His will. It also serves as a model for interpersonal relationships, encouraging believers to serve one another in love and humility, following the example of Christ. In summary, the concept of stooping in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing themes of humility, service, worship, and repentance. It is a powerful symbol of the Christian life, calling believers to lower themselves in service to God and others, trusting in the promise of divine exaltation. Strong's Hebrew 7164. qaras -- to bend down, stoop, crouch... over. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bend down, stoop, crouch NASB Word Usage stooped over (1), stoops over (1). stoop. A ... /hebrew/7164.htm - 6k Library Christ About his Father's Business Teaching Three Things in one Action. Why Art Thou Sorrowful? The Ministry of Women Sanctification To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield. 1St Day of Month. Pardoning Grace. Sanctified Commonplaces Man. Christ's Hospital Thesaurus Stoops (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Stoops (2 Occurrences). Psalms 113:6 Who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth? (WEB NIV). Isaiah ... /s/stoops.htm - 6k Bait (3 Occurrences) Cheese (3 Occurrences) Stooping (4 Occurrences) Load (22 Occurrences) Bows (28 Occurrences) Nebo (13 Occurrences) Weary (77 Occurrences) Stop (108 Occurrences) Burden (111 Occurrences) Resources What is an anthropomorphism? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stoops (2 Occurrences)Psalms 113:6 Isaiah 46:1 Subtopics Related Terms Threshingfloor (18 Occurrences) |