5244. nemalah

Lexicon

nemalah: Ant

Original Word: נְמָלָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: nmalah
Pronunciation: neh-mah-LAH
Phonetic Spelling: (nem-aw-law')
Definition: Ant
Meaning: an ant

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

ant

Feminine from namal; an ant (probably from its almost bisected form) -- ant.

see HEBREW namal

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
an ant
NASB Translation
ant (1), ants (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

נְמָלָה noun feminine of individual meaning (Lag^{BN 81}) ant (Late Hebrew id.; Arabic (noun of individual meaning of ); Syriac ); — absolute ׳נ Proverbs 6:8; plural הַנְּמָלִים Proverbs 30:25.

נמר (√ of following, meaning dubious; possibly compare Assyrian namâru, shine, gleam (from glossy coat of panther and leopard), [see Arabic pardus, and limpidus, purus (of water; compare below נמרים)] so Hom^{NS 294 f.}; ag. this Nö^{ZMG xl (1886), 736} Schw^{Idioticon 121}; נָמֵר is comm. Sem.: Assyrian nimru Dl^{HWB 468}; Arabic , Lane²⁸⁵³; Ethiopic Syriac , ᵑ7 נִמְרָא; Late Hebrew נָמֵר).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from an unused root meaning to creep or swarm.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for the Hebrew נְמָלָה in the Strong's Concordance, as the specific metaphorical use of the ant is unique to the Hebrew texts mentioned. However, the concept of wisdom and industriousness can be found in various Greek terms related to wisdom (σοφία • sophia) and work (ἐργασία • ergasia).

Usage: The term נְמָלָה is used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to the insect known as an ant. It is mentioned in the context of wisdom and industriousness.

Context: The Hebrew word נְמָלָה (nemalah) appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the wisdom literature, where it is used metaphorically to convey lessons about diligence and foresight. The ant is highlighted as a model of industrious behavior, gathering food in the summer to prepare for the winter. This imagery is employed to encourage the reader to adopt a similar work ethic and prudence.

In Proverbs 6:6-8 (BSB), the ant is presented as an example for the sluggard: "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways and be wise. Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food at harvest." This passage underscores the ant's self-motivation and ability to work without external supervision, emphasizing the value of self-discipline and planning.

Similarly, Proverbs 30:25 (BSB) states, "The ants are not a strong people, yet they store up their food in the summer." Here, the ant's wisdom is contrasted with its physical weakness, illustrating that strength is not solely determined by size or power but also by wisdom and preparation.

The ant's behavior serves as a didactic tool in these proverbs, encouraging individuals to emulate its foresight and industriousness. The use of the ant in these passages reflects a broader biblical theme that values wisdom, hard work, and preparation.

Forms and Transliterations

הַ֭נְּמָלִים הנמלים נְמָלָ֥ה נמלה han·nə·mā·lîm Hannemalim hannəmālîm nə·mā·lāh nemaLah nəmālāh

Englishman's Concordance

Proverbs 6:6
HEB: נְמָלָ֥ה עָצֵ֑ל רְאֵ֖ה
NAS: Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe
KJV: Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider
INT: the ant sluggard Observe

Proverbs 30:25
HEB: הַ֭נְּמָלִים עַ֣ם לֹא־
NAS: The ants are not a strong people,
KJV: The ants [are] a people not strong,
INT: the ants people are not

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 5244
2 Occurrences

han·nə·mā·lîm — 1 Occ.
nə·mā·lāh — 1 Occ.