Worm
“Rimmah, from ramam 'to putrefy'; tola from a root meaning 'to stretch'”
Summary
Several Hebrew words translated 'worm' refer to maggots, larvae, and small creatures associated with decay and corruption, serving as symbols of human frailty and divine judgment.
☩Hebrew Terms
The Hebrew word rimmah denotes worms or maggots in putrefying substances, referring to various insect larvae that feed on decaying matter. Job uses this word when describing his affliction: 'My flesh is clothed with rimmah.' The term tola or tolaah is applied to worms destructive to plants, including the worm that destroyed Jonah's gourd. The same word forms part of the phrase translated 'scarlet,' referring to the scarlet-worm (Cermes vermilio), a scale-insect used for producing red dye. A third term, sas, refers specifically to moth larvae that destroy wool.
☩Figurative Uses
Worms serve as powerful metaphors in Scripture. The expression 'their worm dieth not,' drawn from Isaiah's vision of final judgment, was used by Jesus to describe eternal punishment—the undying worm of self-reproach and unavailing remorse. Job and the psalmist compare human insignificance to a worm in contrast with God's majesty. The decay of proud tyrants is pictured with worms spreading under them and covering them. Herod Agrippa was 'eaten of worms' as divine judgment for his blasphemous acceptance of worship.
Related Verses20 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Worm," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Worm; Scarlet-Worm," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Worm," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Worm," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).