The term "bowest" is an archaic form of the verb "bow," which appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, primarily in the King James Version (KJV) and other older translations. It is often used to describe the act of bending or submitting, whether physically, as in bowing down, or metaphorically, as in yielding to authority or divine will. In the Berean Standard Bible , the more contemporary form "bow" is used.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Physical Act of Bowing:
The act of bowing is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a gesture of respect, worship, or submission. For instance, in Genesis 24:26 , "Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD," illustrates the physical act of bowing as an expression of reverence and worship towards God. This act is a common cultural practice in biblical times, signifying honor and humility before a superior or deity.

2. Submission to God:
Bowing is also symbolic of submission to God's will and authority. In Philippians 2:10 , it is written, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." This passage emphasizes the ultimate submission of all creation to the lordship of Jesus Christ, highlighting the eschatological belief that every being will acknowledge His sovereignty.

3. Idolatry and False Worship:
The Bible also warns against bowing to idols or false gods. In Exodus 20:5 , part of the Ten Commandments, it states, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God." This commandment underscores the exclusivity of worship that is due to Yahweh alone, prohibiting the act of bowing as a form of idolatry.

4. Cultural and Social Practices:
Bowing is depicted in various social interactions, such as in the account of Ruth. In Ruth 2:10 , "At this, she fell on her face, bowing low to the ground, and said to him, 'Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you should take notice of me, though I am a foreigner?'" Here, Ruth's bowing is an expression of gratitude and humility before Boaz, reflecting the customs of the time.

5. Prophetic and Eschatological Imagery:
In prophetic literature, bowing often appears in visions of future worship and divine judgment. Isaiah 45:23 declares, "By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess allegiance." This prophecy points to a future time when all nations will recognize and submit to God's authority.

Theological Implications

The act of bowing in the Bible carries deep theological significance, representing both an outward physical gesture and an inward spiritual posture. It is an acknowledgment of God's majesty, a demonstration of humility, and a commitment to obedience. The consistent biblical theme of bowing underscores the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and the call for believers to live in submission to His will.

In summary, while the term "bowest" itself may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, the concept it represents remains a vital aspect of biblical teaching on worship, reverence, and submission to God.

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
... And Thou girdest me with strength for the war, Thou bowest down those that rise
against me.""Luther remarks on this passage: "These promises must be ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm

The Treasure Cave
... fail her.". And thus was the mystery explained to him. "Thou bowest down
to a beetle," she went on without pausing. "Thou worshipest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

The Fatherhood of God
... this world. Come my sister, if thou bowest thy knee amid the rustling of
silk and satin, yet remember the cotton and the print. My ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the fatherhood of god.htm

Bowest (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bowest (4 Occurrences). Psalms 42:5 What! bowest
thou thyself, O my soul? Yea, art thou troubled within me? ...
/b/bowest.htm - 7k

Confess (65 Occurrences)
... Psalms 42:5 What! bowest thou thyself, O my soul? Yea, art thou troubled within
me? ... (YLT). Psalms 42:11 What! bowest thou thyself, O my soul? And what! ...
/c/confess.htm - 26k

Bowels (40 Occurrences)

/b/bowels.htm - 20k

Boweth (53 Occurrences)

/b/boweth.htm - 22k

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