Biblica Analytica

עָשׁ

ash (H6211A)

moth

7 verses 4 books OT 7 / NT 0
AI Word Study

# The Hebrew Word "Ash" (עָשׁ): Moth The Hebrew word *ash* refers specifically to a moth, an insect that appears seven times throughout the Hebrew Bible. This straightforward lexical definition indicates the word denotes a particular type of flying insect rather than conveying abstract or symbolic meaning at the lexical level itself. The limited frequency of occurrence—seven instances total—suggests that moths held a notable but not central place in biblical imagery and daily experience. The fact that ancient Hebrew had a distinct term for this insect reflects the practical familiarity of the ancient Near Eastern world with various fauna. Without access to the specific passages where *ash* appears, the broader significance of how moths functioned in biblical narrative, metaphor, or law cannot be determined from the lexical data alone; however, the dedicated terminology indicates moths were recognized as a distinct category of creature worthy of specific naming.

AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.

Job 4:19

How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!

Job 13:28

though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Job 27:18

He builds his house as the moth, as a booth which the watchman makes.

Psalms 39:11

When you rebuke and correct man for iniquity, you consume his wealth like a moth. Surely every man is but a breath.”

Isaiah 50:9

Behold, the Lord Yahweh will help me! Who is he who will condemn me? Behold, they will all grow old like a garment. The moths will eat them up.

Isaiah 51:8

For the moth will eat them up like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool; but my righteousness will be forever, and my salvation to all generations.”

Hosea 5:12

Therefore I am to Ephraim like a moth, and to the house of Judah like rottenness.