Topical Encyclopedia
The term "coucheth" is an archaic English word found in older translations of the Bible, such as the King James Version (KJV). It is derived from the verb "to couch," which means to lie down or recline. In the context of the Bible, "coucheth" is often used to describe the posture of animals or people when they are resting or lying down.
Biblical Usage:1.
Animal Imagery: In the Bible, the imagery of animals couching is frequently used to convey peace, rest, or the natural order of creation. For example, in
Genesis 49:9, Jacob blesses his son Judah, saying, "Judah is a lion’s cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as a lioness; who shall rouse him?" . Here, the term "couched" is used to describe the lion's posture, symbolizing strength and majesty at rest.
2.
Symbol of Peace: The act of couching is also used metaphorically to describe a state of peace and security. In
Isaiah 11:6-7, the prophet speaks of a future time of harmony: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fatling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will graze with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox" . Although the Berean Standard Bible does not use the word "coucheth," the imagery of animals lying down together conveys a similar sense of tranquility.
3.
Human Rest: The term is also applied to human beings in the context of rest or sleep. In
Psalm 23:2, David writes, "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters" . While the BSB uses "lie down" instead of "coucheth," the imagery remains consistent with the idea of divine provision and rest.
Theological Implications:The use of "coucheth" in Scripture often carries deeper theological meanings. It can signify God's provision and protection, as seen in the pastoral imagery of
Psalm 23. The peaceful coexistence of animals in prophetic literature, such as
Isaiah 11, points to the eschatological hope of a restored creation where harmony prevails under God's reign.
In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of rest is significant. It reflects the Sabbath rest instituted by God at creation (
Genesis 2:2-3) and serves as a foretaste of the ultimate rest believers anticipate in the eternal kingdom (
Hebrews 4:9-11). The imagery of couching, therefore, not only depicts physical rest but also symbolizes spiritual peace and fulfillment found in God's presence.
Conclusion:While the term "coucheth" itself may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, its underlying themes of rest, peace, and divine provision remain integral to the biblical message. Through the imagery of couching, Scripture invites believers to trust in God's care and look forward to the ultimate peace promised in His kingdom.
Library
The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... Ver.9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth
down, hecoucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up...
Songs of Deliverance
... He is, indeed, the great "deep that lieth under," the "deep thatcoucheth beneath,"
the secret spring and source from which the crystal streams of life flow...
There I Saw Moses Blessing the Lord for the Precious Things of...
... There I saw Moses blessing the Lord for the precious things of Heaven, for the dew
and for the deep thatcoucheth beneath: and for the precious fruits brought...
Come and Welcome
... It gusheth up from the depth whichcoucheth beneath, it cometh from that place which
the eagle's eye hath not seen, and which the lion's whelp hath not passed...
The Chaff Driven Away
... The precious things of the heavens, the dew, and the deep thatcoucheth beneath,
and the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and the precious things put...
The Gospel Feast
... gifts; the Old Testament is full of the description of them; He gave them "the precious
things of heaven, and the dew, and the deep thatcoucheth beneath, and...
A Divided Heart
... They fight for the surface albeit they have never discovered "the deep thatcoucheth
beneath." They know not the precious ores that lie in the rich mines of...
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair...
... But we cannot kindle the like emotion in others, nor can we give, by word of mouth,
so much as a faint idea of the bliss whichcoucheth in that exclamation, "Oh...
God.
... are sickness, losses, crosses, persecution, and affliction; and usually in these,
though they shock us whenever they come upon us, blessingcoucheth and is...
Chapter xlix
... He bless thee". With blessings of the heavens above,. With blessings of the deep
thatcoucheth beneath,. With blessings of breasts and womb....
Thesaurus
Coucheth (3 Occurrences)...Coucheth (3 Occurrences).
... and if thou doest not well, sin
coucheth at the door: and
unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it. (ASV JPS).
...Couches (15 Occurrences)
... father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, with blessings
of heaven above, blessings of the deep thatcoucheth beneath, blessings...
Couch (55 Occurrences)
... prey. "If thou doest not well, sincoucheth at the door" (Genesis 4:7,
the King James Version "lieth"), waiting for it to open....
Couching (4 Occurrences)
... up? and if thou doest not well, sincoucheth at the door; and unto thee
is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.' (See RSV)....
Beneath (73 Occurrences)
... father, who shall help thee, And by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, With blessings
of heaven above, Blessings of the deep thatcoucheth beneath, Blessings...
Blesses (18 Occurrences)
... father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, with blessings
of heaven above, blessings of the deep thatcoucheth beneath, blessings...
Helps (16 Occurrences)
... father, who shall help thee, and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee, with blessings
of heaven above, blessings of the deep thatcoucheth beneath, blessings...
Desires (151 Occurrences)
... up? and if thou doest not well, sincoucheth at the door; and unto thee
is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.' (See NIV)....
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