The concept of "lurking" in the Bible often carries a negative connotation, associated with deceit, danger, and the presence of evil. The term "lurks" and its variations are used to describe the hidden, often malicious intentions of individuals or spiritual forces that seek to harm or deceive others. This entry explores the biblical usage of "lurks" and its implications within the scriptural narrative.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the imagery of lurking is frequently used to describe the actions of the wicked. For instance, in Psalm 10:9 , the psalmist describes the wicked as one who "lurks in ambush like a lion in his thicket; he lurks to seize the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net." This vivid imagery portrays the wicked as predators, waiting in hiding to attack the innocent and vulnerable. The use of "lurks" here emphasizes the stealth and treachery of the wicked, who operate in secrecy to achieve their malevolent goals.

Similarly, in Proverbs 1:11 , the father warns his son about sinners who entice him, saying, "If they say, 'Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause.'" The act of lying in wait or lurking is associated with premeditated violence and injustice, highlighting the moral depravity of those who engage in such behavior.

New Testament Insights

While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "lurks," the concept is present in the broader theme of spiritual warfare and the deceitful nature of sin. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often warns believers to be vigilant against the schemes of the devil, who operates in secrecy and deception. In Ephesians 6:11 , Paul exhorts the church to "put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." Though the term "lurks" is not explicitly used, the idea of hidden, malevolent forces is implicit in the call to spiritual readiness and defense.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of lurking underscores the reality of evil in the world and the need for discernment and vigilance among God's people. Lurking, as an act of concealment and deceit, is antithetical to the nature of God, who is light and truth. Believers are called to walk in the light (1 John 1:7) and to expose the deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11), standing firm against the hidden snares of the enemy.

The imagery of lurking also serves as a warning against complacency and spiritual slumber. Just as the wicked lurk to ensnare the unsuspecting, so too must believers be alert and watchful, recognizing that the adversary prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical teaching on lurking encourages believers to cultivate a life of prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. By doing so, they can sharpen their spiritual discernment and remain steadfast against the subtle and hidden threats posed by sin and spiritual adversaries. The call to vigilance is a reminder of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for reliance on God's strength and wisdom in navigating the challenges of life.693. arab -- to lie in wait
... to lie in wait NASB Word Usage ambush (15), ambushes (2), lay in wait (3), lie in
ambush (1), lie in wait (7), lies in wait (1), lurked (1), lurks (4), lying ...
/hebrew/693.htm - 6k

Whether the Word "Person" Should be Said of God?
... Jerome also says (Ep. ad Damas.) that, "in this word hypostasis, poison lurks in
honey." Therefore the word "person" should not be said of God. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the word person should.htm

In Reference to Daniel My Answer Will be that I did not Say that ...
... It is easier to guard against one who professes hostility than to make head against
an enemy who lurks under the guise of a friend. cBook III. 33. ...
/.../33 in reference to daniel.htm

Book ii. --Of the Harmony of the Old and New Laws.
... Their milk, in daring to set things infirm. Above the Strong. [1447] In the grain
lurks the tree; ... The great bunch. Lurks in the tendril's slender body: if. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/book ii of the harmony of.htm

God Neither Known nor Loved by the World
... They speak of love, yet little feel its sway,. While in their bosom many
an idol lurks; Their base desires, well satisfied, obey,. ...
/.../god neither known nor loved.htm

The Good Shepherd.
... 8,8,8,8,4. My gentle Lamb, O come to me! The ravenous wolf lurks near thy path;
No fold is nigh, where wilt thou flee? The desert wild no safety hath: ...
//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/vi the good shepherd.htm

Be Thou Contented.
... Be thou contented! To each his share of ill is given, Would he only see and know
it; No course on earth so fair and even, That no trouble lurks below it. ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/be thou contented.htm

Elucidations.
... Possibly there lurks a reference to this in such language as Job 4:18. I have
previously referred to the Messias and Anti-Messias of the Rev. ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/elucidations.htm

To the Venerable Religious, Brother Antonio of Nizza, of the Order ...
... When they are deprived of these things, they wish to depart from My will, thinking
to do well and to avoid offence; but false sensuality lurks in them, and to ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to the venerable religious brother.htm

Far Let Me Flee from Worldly Sin,
... 8,8,8,8. I. Far let me flee from worldly sin,. Nor look behind, but onward press;
Lest the deceit that lurks within,. Should link the soul to worldliness. II. Ah ...
/.../brownlie/hymns from the morningland/far let me flee from.htm

God's Scrutiny Longed For
... up like a sensitive plant's leaf when a finger touches it, and would fain curl myself
together, and hide from His eye something that I know lurks and poisons ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/gods scrutiny longed for.htm

Lurks (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lurks (3 Occurrences). Psalms 10:9 He lurks in secret
as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/l/lurks.htm - 7k

Lush (2 Occurrences)

/l/lush.htm - 7k

Lurking-places (2 Occurrences)
Lurking-places. Lurking-place, Lurking-places. Lurks . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV DBY JPS). Lurking-place, Lurking-places. Lurks . Reference Bible.
/l/lurking-places.htm - 7k

Draws (20 Occurrences)
... Job 36:27 For he draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from his vapor,
(WEB NAS RSV NIV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. ...
/d/draws.htm - 12k

Catches (7 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait
to catch the helpless. He catches the helpless, when he draws him in his net. ...
/c/catches.htm - 8k

Seizes (16 Occurrences)
... It binds me about as the collar of my coat. (See RSV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks in secret
as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/s/seizes.htm - 10k

Helpless (27 Occurrences)
... His eyes are secretly set against the helpless. (WEB JPS ASV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks
in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/h/helpless.htm - 14k

Ambush (39 Occurrences)
... helpless. (Root in WEB YLT RSV NIV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks in secret as a
lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/a/ambush.htm - 19k

Catch (46 Occurrences)
... He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him. (WEB NIV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks
in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/c/catch.htm - 22k

Hiding (53 Occurrences)
... His eyes are secretly set against the helpless. (See NAS RSV). Psalms 10:9 He lurks
in secret as a lion in his ambush. He lies in wait to catch the helpless. ...
/h/hiding.htm - 21k

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