The term "cower" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of cowering, which involves shrinking back in fear or submission, can be inferred from various biblical narratives and teachings. In Scripture, the idea of cowering is often contrasted with the call to stand firm in faith and trust in God.

Biblical Context and Examples:

1. Fear and Faithlessness:
The act of cowering is often associated with fear and a lack of faith. In the Old Testament, the Israelites frequently exhibited fear despite God's promises and miraculous interventions. For instance, when the Israelites faced the giants in the Promised Land, they cowered in fear and refused to enter, leading to their wandering in the wilderness for forty years (Numbers 13-14). Their fear demonstrated a lack of trust in God's power and promises.

2. Gideon's Initial Fear:
Gideon is another example of someone who initially cowered in fear. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites (Judges 6:11). Despite his initial fear, God called him a "mighty warrior" and empowered him to lead Israel to victory. This transformation from fear to faith illustrates God's ability to strengthen those who trust in Him.

3. Peter's Denial:
In the New Testament, Peter's denial of Jesus can be seen as a moment of cowering. Despite his earlier boldness, Peter succumbed to fear and denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This incident highlights human frailty and the tendency to cower under pressure. However, Peter's subsequent restoration and boldness after Pentecost (Acts 2) demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

4. Encouragement to Stand Firm:
The Bible frequently encourages believers not to cower in fear but to stand firm in faith. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control." Similarly, Ephesians 6:13-14 urges believers to "put on the full armor of God" and "stand firm" against the schemes of the devil.

5. Jesus' Example:
Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of not cowering in the face of adversity. Despite facing intense opposition and the prospect of crucifixion, Jesus remained resolute and obedient to the Father's will. His courage and faithfulness provide a model for believers to emulate.

Theological Implications:

Cowering, as depicted in the Bible, is often a result of focusing on circumstances rather than on God's sovereignty and promises. Believers are called to live by faith, trusting in God's power and presence even in the face of fear-inducing situations. The biblical narrative consistently points to God's faithfulness and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as the means by which believers can overcome fear and stand firm.

Practical Application:

Christians are encouraged to confront fear with faith, relying on God's promises and the strength provided through the Holy Spirit. By focusing on God's character and past faithfulness, believers can find the courage to face challenges without cowering. Regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship with other believers are practical ways to cultivate a spirit of boldness and trust in God.1. (v. i.) To stoop in fear by bending the knees; to crouch; to sink through fear.

2. (v. t.) To cherish with care.

4434. ptochos -- (of one who crouches and cowers, hence) beggarly ...
... 4434 (from , "to crouch or cower like a beggar") -- properly, bent over; (figuratively)
, completely lacking resources (earthly wealth) -- ie . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4434.htm - 8k

5288. hupostello -- to draw in, let down, draw back
... From hupo and stello; to withhold under (out of sight), ie (reflexively) to cower
or shrink, (figuratively) to conceal (reserve) -- draw (keep) back, shun ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5288.htm - 7k

3728. kaphash -- to make bent, press or bend together
... kaphash. 3729 . to make bent, press or bend together. Transliteration: kaphash
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-fash') Short Definition: cower. Word Origin a prim. ...
/hebrew/3728.htm - 6k

Of Two Ghostly Devices that be Helpful to a Ghostly Beginner in ...
... When thou feelest that thou mayest on nowise put them down, cower thou down under
them as a caitiff and a coward overcome in battle, and think that it is but a ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the two and 2.htm

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
... result that Jesus speaks but one word, the permissive 'Go,' and that thus His simple
presence is the potent spell before which the demons cower and flee. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the peace-bringer in the spiritual.htm

In the Course of the Second Year, the Persecution against us ...
... were Christians, and by their ambition for all terrible things, showed that those
who glory in the religion of the God of the universe do not cower before the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/church history/chapter iii in the course.htm

The Ride from Pembroke to Swansea
... the road on the other side. By his help, between five and six, we came
well tired to Oxwych in Cower. I had sent two persons on ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the ride from pembroke to.htm

Looking up to the Cross
... What if the martyrs' fire some day thy dainty limbs devour? What if beneath
the scourge they writhe, or in dull famine cower? What ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cccxii looking up to the.htm

Israel the Beloved
... Sometimes He is represented as covering His beloved, who cower under His wings,
'as the hen gathereth her chickens' when hawks are in the sky. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/israel the beloved.htm

I Closed Her Eyes; and There Flowed Withal a Mighty Sorrow into My ...
... Soft slumbers o'er the night,. That to our limbs the power. Of toil may be
renew'd,. And hearts be rais'd that sink and cower,. And sorrows be subdu'd.". ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xii i closed her.htm

The Note of Edification.
... She needs a living and burning enthusiasm; a joy that will not be silent, and
a hope that will not cower before the pessimism of the age. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv the note of.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... For if This be present, all the billows are laid low, and the passions
cower under It, and nothing can exalt itself against us. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

Three Youths Save Constantinople
... His genius felt rebuked in that holy presence, and he cowered before John
as the birds cower and lie low when the eagle is in the air. ...
/.../chapter xxxii three youths save.htm

Cower (2 Occurrences)
... fear. 2. (vt) To cherish with care. Multi-Version Concordance Cower (2
Occurrences). Deuteronomy 33:29 You are happy, Israel. Who ...
/c/cower.htm - 7k

Quail (5 Occurrences)
... to become cast down; to sink under trial or apprehension of danger; to lose the
spirit and power of resistance; to lose heart; to give way; to shrink; to cower...
/q/quail.htm - 13k

Cowed (1 Occurrence)

/c/cowed.htm - 6k

Cowered (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Cower. Multi-Version Concordance Cowered
(1 Occurrence). Job 9:13 "God will not withdraw his anger. ...
/c/cowered.htm - 6k

Hug (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To cower; to crouch; to curl up. 2.
(vi) To crowd together; to cuddle. 3. (vt) To press closely ...
/h/hug.htm - 7k

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