Lexical Summary akkabish: Spider Original Word: עַכָּבִישׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spider Probably from an unused root in the literal sense of entangling; a spider (as weaving a network) -- spider. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a spider NASB Translation spider's (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַכָּבִישׁ noun masculine spider (ᵑ7 עַכּוּבִיתָא, עַכָּבִיתָא; whence Arabic  as loan-word; Late Hebrew עַכְשׁוּב probably tarantula, according to LevyNHWB iii.648); — ׳בֵּית ע Job 8:14 i.e. web, so probably Job 27:18 (reading ׳ע for ᵑ0 עָשׁ); compare ׳קוּרֵי ע Isaiah 59:5 filaments of a spider. Topical Lexicon Word Picture and Emblemעַכָּבִישׁ evokes the fine, gauzy threads spun by a spider—visibly intricate yet frail to the touch. Scripture employs this picture to expose the emptiness of human self-reliance and the deceptiveness of sin. In both appearances the web is not admired for beauty but highlighted for fragility and futility. Biblical Occurrences Job 8:14 places the web alongside a crumbling shelter to describe the false hope of the wicked: “His confidence is fragile; his security is a spider’s web”. Isaiah 59:5 portrays societal corruption: “They hatch viper’s eggs and spin a spider’s web”, linking the web with destructive scheming. Literary and Theological Significance 1. Frailty of Godless Trust. Job’s counselor Bildad argues that if a man forgets God, every support he weaves for himself will give way. The spider’s web—beautiful yet unable to bear weight—becomes an object lesson that any foundation apart from the LORD crumbles when tested (cf. Matthew 7:26-27). 2. Concealment and Deceit. Isaiah depicts a nation whose leaders weave intrigues as spiders weave silk—skilled, hidden, lethal. Their plots ensnare rather than shelter, mirroring Satan’s subtlety (Genesis 3:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:14). Sin promises covering but yields captivity. 3. Call to True Refuge. By contrast, Scripture consistently urges trust in the Rock who never fails (Psalm 18:2). The spider’s web motif therefore magnifies the sturdiness of divine salvation: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern literature likewise used the spider for weakness; a Ugaritic text compares the web with gossamer threads broken by wind. Rural Israelite life offered daily encounters with webs in corners of homes, caves, and field walls. Their persistent yet fragile nature rendered them a ready metaphor for transitory human schemes. While spiders could control pests, no military or architectural use offset their flimsiness, sharpening the analogy’s force. Practical Ministry Application • Preaching. Contrast the gospel’s secure hope with the “spider’s web” of self-righteousness. Illustrate how moralism, wealth, or technology promise stability yet collapse under eternal scrutiny. Related Biblical Themes Frailty of flesh (Psalm 103:15-16); vanity of idols (Isaiah 41:29); deceitful riches (Proverbs 11:28); false security (Obadiah 3); righteousness as protective garment (Ephesians 6:14). In sum, עַכָּבִישׁ serves the canonical message by contrasting the brittleness of sin-forged shelters with the steadfast refuge found in the Lord. Forms and Transliterations עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ עַכָּבִ֖ישׁ עכביש ‘ak·kā·ḇîš ‘akkāḇîš akkaVishLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 8:14 HEB: כִּסְל֑וֹ וּבֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽוֹ׃ NAS: And whose trust a spider's web. KJV: and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web. INT: confidence web A spider's trust Isaiah 59:5 2 Occurrences |
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