Bible Dictionary
Couch
A couch was a place for sitting or reclining. Scripture also uses the verb figuratively of lying in wait, as sin is pictured crouching at the door (Genesis 4:7).
Definition
A couch is a seat or place used for repose and rest. As a verb, to couch means to crouch, lurk, or lie ready, like a beast prepared to spring upon its prey.
Biblical Usage
The verb is used when sin is pictured as crouching at the door, warning Cain about temptation and a sullen, jealous disposition. Scripture also uses couching for the recumbent lion of Judah, Issachar resting between the sheepfolds, and the deep beneath.
Historical Background
The noun is closely associated with the biblical bed or place of rest. The image of crouching conveys readiness to spring or to remain concealed.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Gen. 49:4; 1 Chr. 5:1; Job 7:13; Ps. 6:6, etc.), a seat for repose or rest. (See BED.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Bed]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kouch (substantive.).</p><p>See BED.</p><p>Couch (verb): rabhats, "to crouch," "lurk," as a beast in readiness to spring on its prey. "If thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door" (Ge 4:7, the King James Version "lieth"), waiting for it to open. Cain is warned to beware of the first temptations to evil, in his case especially a sullen and jealous disposition (compare Dante, Inferno, I, 30). See ABEL; CAIN. The tribe of Judah is compared for its bravery to a recumbent lion or lioness (Ge 49:9; compare Nu 24:9 f); and Issachar to "a strong ass, couching down between the sheepfolds" (Ge 49:14, the King James Version "between two burdens"; compare Jud 5:16). "The deep that coucheth beneath" (De 33:13), probably the springs of water, or possibly, as Driver suggests, "the subterranean deep, pictured as a gigantic monster."</p><p>See ABYSS.</p><p>M. O. Evans</p>