Topical Encyclopedia The term "horseleech" appears in the Bible in Proverbs 30:15, which states: "The leech has two daughters: Give and Give. There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!'" . The horseleech is a type of bloodsucking worm, known for its insatiable appetite. In the context of this proverb, the horseleech serves as a metaphor for greed and unending desire, illustrating the nature of certain human behaviors that are never satisfied, always demanding more.In ancient times, leeches, including the horseleech, were commonly found in the waters of the Middle East. They were known for their ability to attach to animals and humans, drawing blood for sustenance. This characteristic made them a fitting symbol for the concept of unquenchable thirst or desire, as they would continue to feed until forcibly removed. The use of the horseleech in Proverbs 30:15 is part of a larger literary device employed by Agur, the author of this section of Proverbs, to convey wisdom through vivid imagery and numerical sayings. The "two daughters" of the leech, "Give and Give," emphasize the relentless nature of greed, which is never content with what it has but always seeks more. This imagery serves as a warning against the dangers of avarice and the moral and spiritual emptiness it can lead to. From a theological perspective, the mention of the horseleech in Proverbs underscores the biblical teaching on contentment and the dangers of covetousness. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to find satisfaction in God's provision and to guard against the destructive nature of greed. For instance, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 warns against the love of money, stating that "godliness with contentment is great gain" . The horseleech, therefore, is not merely a creature of the natural world but a powerful symbol within biblical literature. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a heart that is content and reliant on God's sufficiency, rather than being consumed by the endless pursuit of material gain. Smith's Bible Dictionary HorseleechHeb. alukah , occurs once only, viz. (Proverbs 30:16) There is little doubt that alukah denotes some species of leech, or rather is the generic term for any blood-sucking annelid. ATS Bible Dictionary HorseleechThe bloodsucker, a well-known water-worm; an apt emblem of avarice and rapacity, Proverbs 30:15. Cicero speaks of the horseleeches of the public treasury at Rome. Easton's Bible Dictionary Occurs only in Proverbs 30:15 (Hebrews `alukah); the generic name for any blood-sucking annelid. There are various species in the marshes and pools of Palestine. That here referred to, the Hoemopis, is remarkable for the coarseness of its bite, and is therefore not used for medical purposes. They are spoken of in the East with feelings of aversion and horror, because of their propensity to fasten on the tongue and nostrils of horses when they come to drink out of the pools. The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), besides other species of leeches, are common in the waters of Syria. Library Of the Term "Enigma," and of Tropical Modes of Speech. The Shortest of the Seven Cries Against Jovinianus. Thesaurus Horseleech (1 Occurrence)... Syria. Multi-Version Concordance Horseleech (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 30:15 The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. ... /h/horseleech.htm - 7k Horseleach (1 Occurrence) Leech (1 Occurrence) Horse-leech (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Horseleech (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 30:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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