Topical Encyclopedia
Couching, in biblical terms, refers to the act of lying down or reclining, often in a position of rest or repose. This term is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing different states of being, from rest and relaxation to readiness for action or even a state of submission.
Old Testament UsageIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "couching" is "רָבַץ" (rāḇaṣ), which means to lie down or rest. One of the earliest mentions of couching is found in
Genesis 49:9, where Jacob blesses his sons and describes Judah as a lion: "Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion, he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?" . Here, couching conveys a sense of strength and dominance, as the lion rests after a successful hunt, unchallenged and at peace.
In
Numbers 24:9, Balaam's prophecy about Israel uses similar imagery: "He crouches, he lies down like a lion, and like a lioness—who will rouse him?" . This portrays Israel as a powerful and secure nation, resting in its strength and protected by God.
Symbolism and ThemesCouching often symbolizes a state of peace and security. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, animals lying down in the fields indicated safety and abundance. This imagery is used in prophetic literature to describe the future peace and prosperity of God's people. For instance, in
Isaiah 11:6-7, the peaceful kingdom of the Messiah is depicted with animals lying down together: "The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and young lion and fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them" .
Conversely, couching can also imply a state of vulnerability or submission. In
Genesis 4:7, God warns Cain, "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it" . Here, sin is personified as an animal lying in wait, ready to pounce, highlighting the ever-present danger of temptation.
New Testament ContextWhile the specific term "couching" is not prevalent in the New Testament, the concept of rest and repose is significant. Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, as seen in
Matthew 11:28-29: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . This invitation echoes the Old Testament theme of finding peace and security under God's care.
ConclusionCouching in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that conveys themes of rest, security, strength, and vulnerability. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual states of individuals and nations, reflecting their relationship with God and their position in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Couch.
2. (n.) The operation of putting down or displacing the opaque lens in cataract.
3. (n.) Embroidering by laying the materials upon the surface of the foundation, instead of drawing them through.
Strong's Hebrew
4769. marbets -- (place of) lying down...couching place, place to lie down. From rabats; a reclining place, ie Fold (for
flocks) --
couching place, place to lie down. see HEBREW rabats. 4768, 4769.
...Library
The Treasure of Grace
... However profound your investigation, there is still a deepcouching beneath that
baffles all research. Who can ever discover the attributes of God?...
Let Your Hearts be Much Set on Revivals of Religion. ...
... some mistake, he asked the people to be seated, and then, in order that there might
be no possible misunderstanding, he repeated the invitation,couching it in...
The Ark among the Flags
... How came this dove in the vulture's cage? Her sweet pity beside his cold
craft and cruelty is like the lambcouching by the lion....
Christ's Messengers: their Equipment and Work
... Therefore, as the sequel of His victory, He enlarges His gifts to His servants,
couching the charter in the words of a psalm (Psalm 91.....
Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... And the expression, "he stooped down, he couched as a lion, and as a lion's whelp,"
refers to the three days' sleep (death,couching) of Christ; as also Isaiah...
Chapter xlix
...Couching between the sheepfolds. He saw that rest is good,.... The participle "couching
between the sheepfolds" describes the tribe as such rather than the ass....
The Leaven.
... Sometimes, and in some places, it seems to recede; but when the end comes it will
be seen that every step of apparent retreat was thecouching in preparation...
'Other Sheep'
... It speaks of defence when lion and bear come ravening down, and of safecouching
by night when the silent stars behold the sleeping sheep and the wakeful...
The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <....
Thesaurus
Couching (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Couching (4 Occurrences).
... Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a
strong ass
couching down between two burdens: (KJV JPS ASV WBS).
...Couching-place (3 Occurrences)
Couching-place. Couchingplace,Couching-place. Coughed-up . Int.
Standard Bible EncyclopediaCOUCHING-PLACE. kouch'-ing...
Couchingplace
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaCOUCHING-PLACE. kouch'-ing-plas (marbets;
once in English Versions of the Bible, Ezekiel 25:5): The...
Large-boned (1 Occurrence)
... Large-boned (1 Occurrence). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong ass,Couching down
between the sheepfolds: (See JPS). Large, Large-boned. Largeness ....
Fold (23 Occurrences)
... It was prophesied of the cities of Ammon (Ezek. 25:5), Aroer (Isaiah 17:2), and
Judaea, that they would be folds orcouching-places for flocks....
Folds (18 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Folds (18 Occurrences). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong
ass,Couching down between the sheepfolds: (ASV JPS YLT NAS RSV)....
Depression (1 Occurrence)
... 8. (n.) The operation of reducing to a lower degree; -- said of equations. 9. (n.)
A method of operating for cataract;couching. See Couch, vt, 8....
Burdens (35 Occurrences)
... have never grown weary. (WEY). Genesis 49:14 Issachar is a strong asscouching
down between two burdens: (KJV WBS). Genesis 49:15 He...
Coucheth (3 Occurrences)
Couch (55 Occurrences)
... Judah is compared for its bravery to a recumbent lion or lioness (Genesis 49:9;
compare Numbers 24:9 f); and Issachar to "a strong ass,couching down between...
Resources
What can we learn from the tribe of Issachar? | GotQuestions.orgCouching: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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