Lexical Summary rimmah: Worm, maggot Original Word: רִמָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance worm From ramam in the sense of breading (compare ruwm); a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively -- worm. see HEBREW ramam see HEBREW ruwm NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a worm NASB Translation maggot (1), maggots (1), worm (3), worms (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רִמָּה noun feminine worm (cause and sign of decay); — absolute ׳ר Exodus 16:24 (P), Isaiah 14:11 ("" תּוֺלֵעָה), Job 7:5; Job 17:14; Job 21:26; Job 24:20 all indicate corruption, feeding on dead, etc.; hyperb. of insignificant man Job 25:6 ("" תּוֺלֵעָה). Topical Lexicon Definition and Overview The word depicts the larval stage of insects that breed in decaying flesh or spoiled food. In Scripture it serves both as a literal description of decay and as a vivid metaphor for human frailty, sin, and divine judgment. Occurrences and Literary Context 1. Exodus 16:24 – The manna kept at God’s command “did not stink or have maggots in it”, stressing the difference between obedient reliance on the Lord and the corruption that follows self-directed hoarding (see verse 20). Symbolic Themes • Human Mortality and Corruption The word routinely appears alongside “dust,” “grave,” and “Sheol,” reminding readers that physical life ends in corruption (Job 21:26; Isaiah 14:11). This realism promotes humility and dependence on the Creator (Psalm 90:3-12). • Judgment and Humiliation of the Proud Isaiah applies the image to the downfall of a tyrant, teaching that divine justice overturns earthly pomp. The theme returns in Isaiah 66:24 and in the New Testament where “their worm does not die” (Mark 9:48, quoting Isaiah) warns of everlasting judgment. • Contrast between Human Frailty and Divine Provision Only when Israel obeys does the manna remain free of worms (Exodus 16:24). God can arrest corruption, foreshadowing the resurrection promise that “this perishable body must put on the imperishable” (1 Corinthians 15:53). • Existential Despair versus Resurrection Hope Job’s laments employ the worm motif to express hopelessness, yet within the same book he affirms, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25-27). Scripture thus moves from decay to restoration, culminating in Christ’s victory over the grave. Historical and Cultural Background Ancient Near Eastern burials placed bodies directly in rock-hewn tombs or earth, where larvae quickly appeared. The sight and smell of decay made worms a ready metaphor for dishonor. Prophets exploited this shared experience to rebuke arrogance and to comfort the oppressed with the assurance that oppressors would not escape corruption. Theological Significance 1. Anthropology: Humanity is created but fallen; the worm image highlights our creaturely limitations and moral guilt (Job 25:6; Romans 3:23). Practical and Ministry Applications • Preaching: Contrast self-sufficiency with God-dependency (Exodus 16); expose pride (Isaiah 14); couple realism about death with resurrection hope (1 Corinthians 15). See Also Isaiah 66:24; Psalm 22:6; Acts 12:23; Mark 9:44-48; 1 Corinthians 15:42-57; Revelation 20:11-15 Forms and Transliterations וְ֝רִמָּ֗ה וְרִמָּ֖ה ורמה לָֽרִמָּֽה׃ לרמה׃ רִ֭מָּה רִמָּ֑ה רִמָּ֔ה רִמָּ֗ה רמה lā·rim·māh LarimMah lārimmāh rim·māh Rimmah rimmāh verimMah wə·rim·māh wərimmāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 16:24 HEB: וְלֹ֣א הִבְאִ֔ישׁ וְרִמָּ֖ה לֹא־ הָ֥יְתָה NAS: nor was there any worm in it. KJV: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. INT: nor become worm nor become Job 7:5 Job 17:14 Job 21:26 Job 24:20 Job 25:6 Isaiah 14:11 7 Occurrences |
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