In biblical terminology, the term "clutches" is often used metaphorically to describe a situation of being trapped or held in a grip, typically by an adversary or in a perilous situation. The imagery of clutches conveys a sense of danger, control, or captivity, often associated with the power of sin, evil, or enemies.

Biblical Usage and Context

The concept of being in the "clutches" of something or someone is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible using the word "clutches," but the idea is present in various passages that describe being ensnared or trapped by enemies or sin. The Bible frequently uses vivid imagery to depict the spiritual and physical dangers faced by individuals and nations.

Old Testament References

1. Psalm 7:1-2 : "O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me." This passage reflects the psalmist's plea for deliverance from the clutches of his enemies, who are likened to a lion ready to tear him apart.

2. Psalm 91:3 : "Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly plague." Here, the "snare of the fowler" symbolizes the traps set by adversaries, from which God promises deliverance. The imagery of a snare is akin to being caught in the clutches of danger.

3. Proverbs 5:22 : "The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him." This verse illustrates how sin can ensnare an individual, holding them in its clutches and leading to spiritual bondage.

New Testament References

1. Romans 7:23 : "But I see another law at work in my body, warring against the law of my mind and holding me captive to the law of sin that dwells within me." The Apostle Paul describes the struggle with sin as being held captive, akin to being in its clutches, highlighting the internal battle between the flesh and the spirit.

2. 2 Timothy 2:26 : "Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." This passage speaks of individuals being in the clutches of the devil, ensnared to fulfill his purposes, and the hope of liberation through repentance and truth.

Theological Implications

The imagery of clutches in the Bible underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the human condition under the influence of sin and evil. It serves as a reminder of the need for divine intervention and the power of God to rescue and deliver His people from the grip of their adversaries. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's sovereignty and His ability to save those who call upon Him, freeing them from the clutches of sin and death.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God, who is portrayed as a deliverer and protector. The metaphor of clutches serves as a warning against the entrapments of sin and the importance of remaining vigilant in faith. Christians are called to rely on the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit to overcome the snares of the enemy and to live in the freedom that Christ provides.

Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ...
... like that which a man who has been carried away by the tempest and nearly drowned
in deep water feels for the strong swimmer at whose foot he clutches: he is ...
/.../1 thus far i have.htm

Five Fears
... Well he clutches the plank very leisurely, and does not seem to grasp it
firmly. But this poor creature here, he knows he cannot ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/five fears.htm

Judas Hangs Himself.
... O cursed synagogue, thou hast tempted me through thy messengers, thou hast hidden
from me thy bloody designs until thou hadst him in thy clutches. ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter vi judas hangs himself.htm

Of Repentance, in the Case of Such as have Lapsed after Baptism.
... most stubborn foe (of ours) never gives his malice leisure; indeed, he is then most
savage when he fully feels that a man is freed from his clutches; he then ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter vii of repentance in the.htm

Of the Assumption of Our Lady
... His nature clings to everything with which it comes into contact; it clutches at
whatever it may be, and seeks rest therein, either bodily or spiritual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xvii of the assumption.htm

The Unjust Steward
... Pay him at once and be done with him: but never think to escape out of his clutches,
as too many wretched and foolish sinners do, by running up a fresh score ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xlii the unjust steward.htm

The victor's Great Plan.
... Reluctantly, angrily, as slowly as may be, stubbornly contesting every inch of ground,
his clutches will loosen and he will go before this Jesus-man. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the victors great plan.htm

The Power of a Name.
... As one prays persistently in Jesus' name, the evil one must go. Reluctantly,
angrily, he must loosen his clutches, and go back. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on prayer/the power of a name.htm

'Lying Vanities'
... The painted screen is but paint at the best, and is in perpetual motion, which is
not arrested by the vain clutches of hands that would fain stop the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/lying vanities.htm

Sin the Mocker
... in our text is in the singular, and the only singular noun to go with it is 'guilt.'
The thought then here is, that sin tempts men into its clutches, and then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/sin the mocker.htm

Clutches (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Clutches (5 Occurrences). Acts 12:11 When Peter
had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the ...
/c/clutches.htm - 7k

Clusters (12 Occurrences)

/c/clusters.htm - 10k

Cnidus (1 Occurrence)

/c/cnidus.htm - 9k

David (1052 Occurrences)
... a sharp lookout for thieves, but on more than one occasion had with no other weapon
than his shepherd's club or staff to rescue a lamb from the clutches of a ...
/d/david.htm - 93k

Harlot (87 Occurrences)
... On the other hand it is a characteristic part of the work of Jesus to rescue the
erring woman from the merciless clutches of the Pharisaic tribunal, and to ...
/h/harlot.htm - 46k

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