Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "growl" is often associated with the sounds made by animals, particularly in contexts that convey threat, danger, or divine judgment. The imagery of growling is used to evoke a sense of fear, power, and impending doom, often serving as a metaphor for the actions or presence of God, enemies, or wild beasts.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 5:29 · "Their roaring is like that of a lion; they roar like young lions. They growl as they seize their prey and carry it off with no one to rescue it." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of lions growling to describe the Assyrian army's approach. The growling signifies the imminent threat and the ferocity with which they will attack and conquer, leaving no hope for rescue. 2. Isaiah 31:4 · "For this is what the LORD has said to me: 'As a lion or young lion growls over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their noise—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.'" Here, the growling of a lion over its prey symbolizes the Lord's determination and power. Despite opposition, God's purpose will not be thwarted, much like a lion undeterred by shepherds. 3. Jeremiah 51:38 · "They will roar together like young lions; they will growl like lion cubs." This verse refers to the Babylonians, who are depicted as lions growling in their strength and unity. The growling here underscores their might and the fear they instill in others. Symbolism and Themes: · Divine Judgment and Power: The growl of a lion is often used to symbolize God's power and the certainty of His judgment. Just as a lion's growl precedes its attack, so too does God's warning precede His actions against nations or individuals who oppose His will. · Fear and Intimidation: The growl serves as a metaphor for fear and intimidation, often used to describe the overwhelming power of enemies or the divine. It conveys the idea of an unstoppable force that instills dread in those who hear it. · Protection and Sovereignty: In some contexts, the growl can also represent protection, as in the case of God defending His people. The imagery of a lion growling over its prey can be seen as God safeguarding His chosen ones, ensuring their security against adversaries. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, lions were symbols of strength and royalty. Their growl was a familiar sound that evoked both awe and fear. The biblical authors used this imagery to communicate messages of divine power and judgment effectively. The growl, as a literary device, helped convey the seriousness of God's warnings and the reality of His interventions in human history. Theological Implications: The use of growling in Scripture highlights the dual nature of God as both a protector and a judge. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the seriousness with which He approaches sin and rebellion. The growl, therefore, is not just a sound of threat but also a call to repentance and reverence for God's authority. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To utter a deep guttural sound, as an angry dog; to give forth an angry, grumbling sound.2. (v. t.) To express by growling. 3. (n.) The deep, threatening sound made by a surly dog; a grumbling sound. Strong's Hebrew 5286. naar -- to growl... naar. 5287 . to growl. Transliteration: naar Phonetic Spelling: (naw-ar') Short Definition: growl. ... root Definition to growl NASB Word Usage growl (1). yell. ... /hebrew/5286.htm - 5k 5098. naham -- to growl, groan 1993. hamah -- to murmur, growl, roar, be boisterous 1897. hagah -- to moan, growl, utter, speak, muse 5414. nathan -- to give, put, set 3885b. lun -- to murmur 6963. qol -- sound, voice Library In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ... Early Training. San Josef The Adventures of Saint Andrew of Scotland. The Displeasure of Jesus. Song 16. Against Quarrelling and Fighting. Jesus Sentenced Song 16. Against Quarrelling and Fighting. A String of Pearls The Memory Contains the Ideas of Places of the Greatest Size. Thesaurus Growl (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Growl (11 Occurrences). ... Proverbs 19:12 The wrath of a king 'is' a growl as of a young lion, And as dew on the herb his good-will. ... /g/growl.htm - 9k Growling (4 Occurrences) Growing (31 Occurrences) Good-will (8 Occurrences) Grumble (13 Occurrences) Growled (1 Occurrence) Groin (4 Occurrences) Grudge (11 Occurrences) Wronging (6 Occurrences) Whelp (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the biblical solution to the problem of evil? | GotQuestions.orgGrowl: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Growl (11 Occurrences)Exodus 11:7 Job 4:10 Psalms 59:15 Proverbs 19:12 Proverbs 20:2 Isaiah 5:29 Isaiah 5:30 Isaiah 31:4 Isaiah 59:11 Jeremiah 51:38 Amos 3:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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